THE ABINGDONIAN Volume 20 - No. 2 Michaelmas 1993 I

%e (1Jreaming Spires J 'Edition

BATH ST.

THE ABINGDONIAN

No.2 Vol. 20 December 15th 1993

CONTENTS

Mercers' Court - before (inside front cover) Mercers' Court - demolition (cenlre sprelld) Editorial Section 2 - 17 including Music and Drama 47 - 54 Editorial including Donald Owen Willis Concerts - various Letters - various Debut at the Royal Festival Hall Book Page Play Reviews Sing Your Heart Out MCR leavers Sports 55-72 Out of Abingdon 18 - 27 including including Cricket Classics in Tunisia Athletics Rowing U.S.A. Style Hockey Parker on China Cross Country The Almost Impossible Tors Rugby Rowing Showcase 28 - 38 including Mercers' Court - re-creation Haikus (inside blick cover) Poems - various So You Want To Be In The Movies The Dreaming Spires' Team Book Reviews (back cover) main pielare. back row L fO R: lan Bowen Morris, Adam Guy, Clubs and Events 39 - 46 Brian Marnane, Andrew Kayley, Alex Edwards, Chris Keith, including Richard Clarkson. Physics Olympiad front row: Nick Rees, Rowan Browne, Miss L. Milligan, Young Enterprise Scheme - Dreaming Spires Adam Gibbons, John Sparrow. The Mock Trial Report Insel pielare, L 10 R: Adam Gibbons, Nick Rees, Ammar Tahir.

EDITORIAL TEAM Sir Digby Cayley, Bt., Master in Charge Editors: Rizal Razali, Adam Guy, Michael Litchfield, Syed Rizal Almashoor. Sub-Editors: Zool Verjee, Richard Clarkson, Hugh Gittins, Henry Powell-Jones, Alex Edwards.

Copy Typing: Syed Rizal Almashoor Artwork: Thomas Frankum ... et al. Distribution: Dr. W.H. Zawadzki Front Cover design: Guy Horton (from an editorial idea). 2 THE ABINGDONIAN

, Editorial Section

Welcome to the new Abingdonian, covering events, successes, Having to work within constraints has made us more disciplined. mishaps: the essence of our beloved school! This issue's front Not only having tojugglestudies and The Abingdonian together, covercombines the themes ofMercers' Court and the successful but also time and a tight budget set by the Bursar (and SirDigby!) 'Dreaming Spires' logo. Along with the others in the editorial made it even more challenging. This has made us very critical team and the 'workaholic' Sir Digby Cayley, Bt., we have about articles and photographs. Wehave only wanted to show the managed to produce this journal together with our new printers, best of the schooI and to ensure that everybody gets their Hunts Lithoprint of Oxford. money's worth.

After the last magazine had been sent to the printers, I was invited At the time of writing, this magazine should be distributed and to attend 'post-mortem' meetings with the former editors. out certainly by the beginning of next term. I would like to Consequently, I was put in charge ofthe running ofthe magazine apologise in advance if it comes out late due to unforeseen for this year. Zool Verjee as secretary and Rizal Almashoor as difficulties. If there are any comments or congratulations due copy typist were hand picked by Sir Digby and myself. The rest after scrutinising this issue, please feel free to forward them to Sir of the team was chosen by interviewing prospective candidates. Digby Cayley so that things can be different next time. I then chose Adam Guy as my deputy because I had easy access to hirn in School House. My gratitude to all masters who showed concern about the magazine, Sir Digby for guiding us (and also for the odd photos), Articles started to triekle in slowly at first while everybody was my fellow editors who have toiled day and night, Michael enjoying the summer warmth. Much later, things started to get Litchfield for his hard work on the sports seetion and a special very busy for Rizal. We have had a lot of contributions from thanks to Rizal Almashoor who did 95% ofthe typing for uso Not pupils as weil as teachers and even up to now people have been to forget Ammar Tahir as the main photographer and also Mr. still sending us material. Here, we would like to say thanks to Nigel Hunter and Robert Porter who shot some events for uso I everybody who helped to recreate their experiences on paper by also appreciate lan Warnecke's help by translating a German submitting it to uso article into English and Guy Horton for his work on the front cover and other budding artists who chipped in. Lastly, I would Although it has been tiring, time-consuming and sometimes like to wish everybody HAPPY READING! aggravating for us to edit and arrange the magazine, it has given us much pleasure, when we think that we have served the school Mohd Rizal Razali in a unique way: after all everybody will have a copy ofour work. Chief Editor

The Amey Hall photo: Digby Cayley THE ABINGDONIAN 3

DONALD OWEN WILLIS (This is an abridged text of the address delivered by Sir came when I could no longer put off regularising his position. James Cobban at a Memorial Service held in Abingdon Leap-frogging him to the new post of Second Master, over the School ChapeI, on Sunday 7 February 1993.) heads of four of his seniors, was fraught with hazard. To their credit, those who had been passed over loyally accepted the Donald Willis was an Oxford man through and through. He was decision. Initial unease in the Common Room was very soon born and brought up in a modest home in Hythe Bridge Street ­ dispelled. and you can't be much more Oxford than that. And what a family it was, to produce three sons, each of whom went to a different The job of Second Master is not easy. There is much scope for Oxford college, two of them as scholars ! Donald himself has misunderstanding, there are many potentially dangerous reefs. made it c1ear how much he owed to his hard-working parents, to that Donald was able to circumnavigate themall without mishap his twin sister, to the four very much older siblings. was due to his fundamental integrity, his unquestionable loyalty to the School which he was proud to serve. One of his greatest He grasped with both hands at everything the City of Oxford achievements was to weId together a Common Room which School could offer him. He played hard and he worked hard; and could have been deeply divided between the faithful Old Guard he developed that love ofhistory which he shared with an earlier - the Grundy men - and that growing army of bright young men alumnus, T.E. Lawrence. -I thoughtofthem as the Young Turks - whojoined us during the 'fifties'. A colleague has written to me ofwhat he calls Donald's It was the offer of a scholarship that led him to Pembroke. His simple decency, his complete lack of pomposity, which made first set ofrooms was in the Old Master's Lodging. His bedroom him approachable both to masters and to boys. He was a man looked down beyond St Aldate's Church to the gate of Christ­ whom it was impossible to dislike. When I went offon sabbatical church. It may weIl have been the identical room which a few in 1961 I knew that I was leaving the school in a safe pair of years later was my own office for eighteen months ofthe war. In hands. later life he proved to be a very loyal Pembroke man and he treasured greatly his election as a memberofthe SeniorCommon Room. His congenital shyness, which it took a Great War finally to eliminate, did not prevent him from impressive performance on rugger field and running track. He also hugely enjoyed his life in the Gunner Section of the University OTC.

The future loomed, orratherbeckoned. The Colonial Service had interested him. But by now Muriel had appeared on the scene. Jungle and desert no longer attracted; it was back to a teaching career. He was offered appointment at Abingdon School for September 1939.

An ominous date indeed. He leftfor Abingdon, with an emergency commission in the Gunners in his pocket. In fact he had a term and a half, living in at the Lodge (now the Bursary), with a handful of young boarders to look after, to a battery which was attached to 5 Division in Scotland, and it was with this positively foot-loose division that he - by now a married man - fought his way round mostofthe theatres ofwarinthe next fi ve years.lt was Donald Willis with his w(fe. Muriel in Germany, in 1945, that Major Willis RA watched with mixed His teaching timetable took far too little account of his other feelings while his battery finally laid aside its guns. lt is a story duties. Asound historian, he had the kind of rapport which which he himselfhas told simply and movingly. Being Donald, encouraged the Oxbridge scholar to stretch himself beyond his he never gets round to telling us that he was mentioned in limits and the rather dim fourth-former to do a Iittle better than despatches for his gallantry on the Italian front. he thought he could. He served his stint as a housemaster at And so backto England to rejoin Muriel, to make the acquaintance Larkhill, where he and Muriel presided over a wonderfully ofthe three-year-old daughter whom he had never yet seen. Then happy and well-balanced society. I have inside information - one in September 1946 he returned to Abingdon, in time to face that of his heads of house is now a son-in-law of mine. He ran the dreadful winter and to say good-bye to a great and well-Ioved Gunner section of the CCF, he was master-in-charge of rugger headmaster. From the start he was supremely happy in his job. (and he himselfwas active on the field at an age when most ofus Abingdon is fortunate that ambition never led him to seek have long since hung up our boots). He was responsible for the promotion elsewhere. school magazine and the calendar.

Those were exciting times. The School was poised far a great My own relations with Donald were unusually dose. We had the leap forward. Theestablishmentofthe AERE at Harwell provided same idea ofwhat Abingdon was all about. We shared memories a spring board. All a new headmaster had to do was to grip the of those difficult days after the war, when Iines of demarcation bars of the roller-coaster and hold on tight. Donald, sensible, were blurred and successful response to new challenges called unflappable, was just the man to help me keep my balance. for a total commitment to the job, of a kind which can perhaps ­ Putting it another way, he was the ideal adjutant; and the time and rightly - no longer be expected. Fortunately the foundation 4 THE ABINGDONIAN laid by my predecessor stood firm; and Donald can claim much The other was the unstinting devotion and the caring support of of the credit for the subsequent development of the School. his wife Muriel, who throughout these years looked after hirn at horne. He could have gone into an institution, but they both feIt Meanwhile our children were growing up together. We were that for them that was not the answer. very much ofa family school. I still treasure a photograph taken on the Waste Court Field. There are three perambulators, three In these days of selfish materialism and meanness of outlook it mums, and a jumble of young Cobbans and Willises and is good to be reminded of the vast resources of the human spirit Holloways. We shared ourfamily joys, and at a time ofshattering and ofthe heights which man, with God's help, can attain. Those, loss I found real support in their friendship. In later years it was and there were many, who visited Donald and Muriel in Cumnor - and it remains - heavy on my conscience that I never adequately found them always cheerful, without complaint or self-pity. We acknowledged, publicly or privately, how much I owed hirn. He came away feeling humble, yet somehow better men. was not the only one whose devotion to duty I took too much for granted. We sometimes forget the price that wife and fami Iy have Against all the odds, Donald survived for sixteen years, with a to pay for such single-minded devotion. real quality of life about hirn. Against all the odds, Muriel was given the strength to care for hirn night and day. The end, when When I retired I knew that Donald, being the man he was, would it came on New Year's Eve, was sudden, peaceful, dignified. He have no difficulty in transferring his loyalty in turn to my had tarried long enough on Jordan's shore. His crossing now was successors, each of them very different from myself and with smooth and easy. And he, if anyone, could be sure of a warm qualities to which Icould neveraspire. I know thatEric Anderson, welcome on the other side. like me, could rely on Donald to strengthen his backbone and stop hirn dithering on occasion... But then disaster struck. Some The world will be the poorer for Donald's death. But how much sixteen years ago, shortly before he hirnself became eligible for richer it was far his lire! We remember hirn today with pride and retirement, he suffered aseries of major strokes which left hirn with affection and with gratitude. We thank God for what he did, almost completely paralysed. for the splendid example he set for uso

Most of us, I am sure, would have crumpled under this stunning And as we think ofDonald we think too ofMuriel. We thank God blow. Not so Donald. He learned to type with his left hand, and for the wonderful way in which she looked after Donald; we pray over the years he wrote and had published three engaging and that God will support her at this time ofloss. Adjustment will not widely-acclaimed books ofreminiscence. Reading them again in be easy; this is where the family, all of whom have been such a recent days, I am impressed anew by their quality. But he support to both ofthem over the years, has a special role to play. cherished an even more formidable ambition, and only last year, To her and to them, to Judith, David and Richard, to all the after four years' hard work, there appeared a full-blown historical grandchildren we offer our deepest sympathy. noveI, Storm Over Ireland. Donald may weil be commemorated, with so many of his past Apart from his own sturdy determination, there were two things colleagues, on the walls of this chapel. That is not my business. which enabled hirn to triumph overhis disability. Theonewas his His true memorial will be in the hearts of aIl who knew hirn and quiet but unshakeable faith. He never paraded his religion, but who will always treasure the memory of one who was a fine throughout his life he was a practising Baptist. When he was at schoolmaster, a staunch friend, a true soldier of Christ. Freed Larkhill he punctiliously attended school chapel every Sunday from the constraints ofhis broken body, may he now beenjoying morning. Then on Sunday evening he would be off to his own that fuller, richer life which he has so weIl earned. Baptist Church in Oxford - that same church where he had Sir James M. Cobban regularly taught in the Sunday School throughout his college years, that church where his funeral service was very properly held.

The Headmaster and Richard Cox, OA, Steward ofthe School, George Whittaker, youngest boy in the School, turns on OA Day. the first sod on the Mercers ' Court site. THE ABINGDONIAN 5

FOUNDATION STONE CEREMONY - 11 JUNE 1993

(SPEECH BY MR MICHAEL ST. JOHN PARKER)

Ladies and gentlemen, that other buildings have not been able to reach. Ofthese, perhaps the most important part ofall is the sixth form, which at present One ofseveral nice things about the little ceremony for which we has to live and work in conditions which have to be described as, have gathered here this morning is that it really doesn't require at best, cramped, dreary and uninspiring. I do not believe it is in very much in the way of introduction or explanation, at any rate the least materialistic to insist on the importance ofenvironment to present company. as a factor in encouraging civilised behaviour and sophisticated habits ofthought: so we look forward eagerly to the improvements For many of us here, the building of Mercers' Court represents which Mercers' Court will offer to our sixth form, particularly in the fulfilment of a dream. And, before we ask our distinguished the shape of TI Group's sixth-form building, which is already visitor to perform the symbolic act which will mark the rising on the western part of the site. transformation of vision into reality, I feel I must say a word of thanks, on behalf ofthe School, to all those who have worked so All this adds up, 1believe, to something much more than a cluster hard to bring us this far along the way. of carefully thought-out, excellently designed, and - we trust ­ splendidly constructed buildings.ltmeans that Abingdon School We are grateful to the Governors, for their courage in embracing is being given the this project, and their opportunity to climb on prudence inplanning for to an altogether higher it. We are deeply level of activity and grateful to all those achievement than any concerned with the that we could have appeal fund - the encompassed in the Patrons; the Chairman, past. This is something Judge Medd, and his which should be of hard-working benefit, therefore, not committee; and the just to the School itself, numerous band of our but to a much wider benefactors. And it is community which we right that we should be are keen to serve. So we grateful above all to the are very proud, as weil Mercers' Company, as very happy, to be without whose princely able to celebrate generosity this site the completion of could not have become the foundations of available to us, nor Mercers' Court. could this building havt" begun. Who could be more appropriate to play the When Julian Wathen visited Abingdon in lohn Patten laying the Foundation Stone photo: Ammar Tahir part of deus ex machinaon such an occasion than ourlocal MemberofParliament, his capacity as Masterofthe Mercers' Company, on acold, grey especially when he happens to be Secretary ofState for Education? day in 1985, he lost no time in making it very plain that the The last time we were visited by a holder ofyour office, Sir, was, Mercers were interested above all in promoting quality in 1believe, an occasion in 1973 - which will be weil remembered education - and that certain aspects of the Abingdon operation by some of those present at least - when Mrs. Thatcher, as she did not come up to standards which they thought appropriate! In thenwas, came to inaugurate work on the dining hall. That visit a real sense, everything that we see around us now has followed was, quite clearly, the launching pad on which she based her on from that momentous visit. These buildings, which we are subsequent illustrious career: you will understand, Secretary of going to be happy to call Mercers' Court, are essentially about State, that I say this only to encourage you! improving the quality of education at Abingdon. From the moment oftheir completion, they will be ofimmediate benefit to Seriously, itis agreathonourtohave you with us today. You have every boy in the School, since every boy will be able to use them a mighty reputation as an M.P., who really cares for his - and they will equally benefit the rest of our operation by constituency, and works hard for it in season and out of season, enabling us to re-organise virtually all the departments in the as we at Abingdon School already have good reason to know and Schoo!. to thank you for. Nor can anyone doubt your passionate concern for the good of education. So it is doubly fitting that you should Rather as a certain brand of lager is supposed to do, therefore, be the one to unveil the foundation stone ofMercers' Court, and Mercers' Court will refresh parts of the Abingdon School body it gives me very great pleasure to invite you to do this now. 6 THE ABINGDONIAN

Like Father, Like Son. photo: Rizal Razali THE ABINGDONIAN 7

INTERVIEW WITH JON BARNSLEY (School Architect of Mercers' Court) by the Planning Committee. Tuesday 25th May, 1993. SAJT: What particular problems did the site itself present? SAJT: Could we start with an outline of your initial brief from JB : Principally, a lot of accommodation was required on the School? a small site, though this was helped by the fact that the JB Yes. About four years ago, a feasibility study was made School owned much of the land around the site. Also, into what sort of accommodation could be put on to the before the construction ofthe through main road (Stratton site. Once the Mercers' Company agreed to buy the Way), Bath Street ran right into the centre of town, with Purchase Rights, the School produced a brief setting out the section from Heylyn's up towards Faringdon Road what would go into an ideal building:- specifically, the having a more suburban fee!. At the original stage, the number and size of teaching rooms; facilities for the argument was that it was reasonable to make the administration to be moved from Lacies' Court; Sixth termination of the town section at the point of the site. Form accommodation, which was seen as equal in Mercers' Court really falls in the town/suburban hinterland importance to the teaching rooms; Upper Sixth study ofBathStreet, so we decided to make a positive statement, areas to double as conference accommodation in the that the development marked the end ofthe town section. holidays (this option was rejected after the original SAJT: Now that Mercers' Court is under construction, what is planning hearing). the extent of your involvement in the project? SAJT: Speaking ofthe planning process, what was the influence JB : Less at the moment. In the current climate, there is a need of the site being within the Albert Park Conservation to bring in a different side of the team - a different group area? of people with specific expertise to this stage of the JB : We feIt that there was more likelihood of a sympathetic project. As the architects, we are gradually moving out of reception if we took account of the fact that Albert Park the project, taking on much more ofa supervisory role, in is, architecturally, a predominantly Victorian area, and liaison with the Contract Manager. The key figure is the thatBath Street is an historic street. Obviously, a building Clerk ofWorks, supervising the construction and making of 1993 architecture, designed in a high-technology and sure that the requirements of the Contract are being met. logical style, would be out ofplace. It has certainly been It's very much a 'hands on' situation at the moment. the most traditional new building that I've been involved in. SAJT: Finally, do you have any particular and abiding memories of the Mercers' Court Project? SAJT: As the Architect of Mercers' Court, what pleases you JB : Yes, I was about to go off on holiday, and we had particularly about the design now under construction? submitted the original plans to the Planning Offices JB : The final design is the result of a great deal of dialogue - looking back, with hindsight, you could say there was and heartache both by ourselves and the School, which a more guarded than approving response at the time. has contributed towards a much more satisfying result. I rang up the Planning Offices before lieft and was told Mercers' Courthas been very much a combined operation, that things were going very badly - so that what we had with much influence coming from the School, not least thought would be relatively smooth became an from the Headmaster and other members ofthe Common increasingly rough ride (immediately be/are the first set Room. ofplans were turned down - Ed.). Subsequently, I can SAJT: Does the final design in any way represent ablend remember with particular pleasure, after another six between the individual style of the Architect and a months of discussions and redrawing, the whole thing corporate style of Abingdon School? coming together with the planning approval for our JB : Certainly there was a feeling that the School as a body was second design. wanting to bring its building into a common line - witness SAJT: Mr Barnsley, thank you very much. the pitched roof added to the 1950s' Science Block, and S.A.J. Turner the Greening Wing extension. In this sense, Mercers' Court is symptomatic of the School's belief in a more harmonious feel to its buildings. SAJT: A corporate architecture? JB : Yes, and also a realisation that it was not necessary for every new building to be stridently 'of its own time'. As for the individual input, you could give the same brief to a hundred architects and you would get ahundred different schemes. Essentially every architect tries to provide a solution based on his brief. He may not provide the best solution - only the test of time can judge that. However, I do feel that the second design (now under construction) represents a fundamentally better solution, which answers as much of the original brief as possible given the restrictions of the site and the constraints placed upon us lon Barns/ey, centre, ta/king to Hugh Leach OBE, President ofthe after the School's first application was turned down OA Club, together with lohn Cahill. photo: Digby Cay/ey 8 THE ABINGDONIAN Letters to the Editor

Bielefeld, den 6.7.1993 choose to study as little as three subjects, plus subjects like General Studies (in which you discuss love, marriage anddivorce). Hiermit möchte ich alle diejenigen grüben, die meinen Aufenthalt The subjects that you can choose range from Maths to Biology in Abingdon zu einem unvergeblichen Erlebnis werden lieben. to Religious Studies. You start to specialise early at a high level. Mein besonderer Dank gilt folgenden Personen: In Germany, we have a wider spread of subjects to attend to. Mr. Michael St. John Parker, SomeEnglish pupils I know prefer the German system, and think Familie Burrow und allen Betreuern im "School House", that the English system is traditional and unhealthy. Still, my allen Schülern und Lehrern, die mir hilfsbereit zur impression of the school is full of respect and I learnt to Seite standen. appreciate the differences we have. What I miss most after Hierbei sollen namentlich genannt werden: returning is the amount of discipline and respect shown to the Rizal Razali, Kingsley Jones, Dave Malcolm und teachers. One thing I dislike about the school is the private study Siu Wing Wan. sessions because there is always a teacher looking over your Vielen Dank für alles! Ihr back. I thinkthat such periods should be for students to mind their Christian Sudbrack own business unattended.

DR. REINHARD HECTOR-STIPENDIUM 1992 Meeting other pupils from different parts of the world in the boarding house was a memorable experience. I was able to make Abingdon, a nice town, directly on the Thames, lies in beautiful many good friends while I was there. Swapping stories about surroundings, with about 27,000 inhabitants. lt is otherwise each other's country is enriching. Lastly, I would like to convey known for its good schools, for girls as weil as for boys. The my gratitude to everybody who made it possible for me to come Ratsgymnasium Bielefeld is really lucky to have two schools, to Abingdon School and I hope that I have contributed something namely St. Helen's and Abingdon School, for participating in for the benefit of both our schools. the student exchange programme for some years now. Christian Sudbrack Translated by Jan Warnecke Twas given the chance to study there for one term (Sept. to Dec. 92), courtesy of Dr. Reinhard Hector-Stipendium. Tgained a lot ofexperience not only by attending lessons and participating in A YEAR IN ABINGDON extra curricular activities but also through living in an English boarding school (especially wirh Kingsley iones, Rizal Razali I must admit that I didn't want to go to England actually, but that and David Malcolm - Ed.). I must admit that one term there has my common sense urgently advised me to do it because of my dramatically improved my command of the English language. standard of English. But I also have to admit that I have never My stay there was fulfilling and it has broadened my mind. regretted that I came to Abingdon. Following this is a summary of what I told my friends in Germany. Since I arrived here two days before the term actually started I had some time to get used to the school building itself. I was Abingdon School is a private institution which wants to give only impressed because I had attended a very new and modern school the best to its pupils. Exercise books, file paperand text books are which was not more than fifteen years old. In Abingdon I had the provided for. Through donations, modern equipment is bought, impression that the history and the tradition of the school were especially for the natural sciences. The latest addition to the lurking behind each and every corner. But obviously it became school is The Amey Hall.lt is used for plays, lectures, assemblies more exciting and lively when teaching started and there were and also for examinations. You have a long list to choose from small and big boys in school uniforms everywhere, something on what kind of sport you want to do for each term. Rugby, else that I hadn't seen before. But after some time had passed, I cricket, rowing, tennis and badminton are the main sports. I found out that all in all there's no big difference between German played badminton and table tennis. Unlike in Germany, sports and English pupils and that they are basically interested in the are considered as options there and not as compulsory classes. same things (GIRLS!! !). But I have to mention the discipline, The same goes for clubs and societies e.g. the computerclub, the which was much better than it was at the German schools I knew. model train club. Theopportunity to fill up your time after school hours is endless. What I liked very much were the other-half activities. At the beginning ofthe year I was so enthusiastic that Iwanted to try as Another thing I would like to comment on is the wearing of many ofthem as possible. Reality then turned out to be different school uniform. Before my stay, I thought it would be horrible to because of my laziness. I started with rowing (rugby is not my look the same as everybody else. One term changed it all. cup of tea -I knew that I didn't have to try it at all), but after an Uniforms, to my mind, provide you with some kind of identity unplanned bath in the river I had to admit that my talent in that whilst making a good impression on the general public (only if area is rather restricted. I survived the winter doing runs around you are dressed smartly! - Ed.). Albert Park temporarily and then decided to go for a swim and to play tennis during the course of the summer. Now, I would like to give some critical advice to foreign students going to study there. In the first five forms, you have to attend a I visited the Modern Language Society just once. But Friday, specially tailored programme of subjects. This is to provide a 3.45 pm, became one of my regular dates quite soon: the wide variety of education to pupils. In the sixth form, you can Debating Society. This was new for me, too, and I became THE ABINGDONIAN 9 immensely interested in it. I feIt very much honoured when I was Rosser Hall, Waunfawr, asked to deliver a speech about co-education. A special "Thank Aberystwyth, Dyfed. you" therefore to the members and guests of the Debating SY233JJ Society for integrating me so willingly. Enjoy yourselves next year! But I always feIt very welcome at other happenings, e.g. 20110/92 visits to the theatre and diverse happenings in boarding houses Dear All, (hot chocolate evenings in Crescent House!). Aberystwyth University, like any other uni, is unlike any other All that helped me to feeIpartofthe School overthe course ofthis university, honest.l've been here five weeks now, and while the year, which passed in a twinkling. I would like to thank all those scenery is as good as, ifnot better than, I expected, the institution who helped me so much. has confirmed my darkest suspicions: it's actually a really nice place. The staff never give the impression that they expect Many thanks and all the best for the future. students to do any work, and the students are careful not to give . Kathrin Stolz the impression that they are doing any. The system seems to work fine.

Large numbers of students, in lieu of doing work it seems, like Dear Editor, to go out, in the universallanguage ofstudents everywhere, 'on the piss' several nights a week, and I gather that this is a About eighteen months ago, as I stood staring out ofthe window traditional practice among students everywhere. In the interests during a Chemistry practical, I caught sight of something going of furthering my own knowledge, I have tried it out once or on outside which made my heart leap and my blood rush. It was twice! a magnificent vision to behold. As I stood there, awe-struck, a tear trickled down my cheek as the future offootball at Abingdon You may get the impression from my jocular and frivolous style School opened up in front of me on that earth-shaking day. that I am enjoying myself here at 'Aber' (as the SU is desperate to encourage everyone to call it - l've tried it myself, and it There were our junior colleagues dribbling round cones with doesn't sound as good as UCW), and your inference would not footballs, as coaches looked on offering guidance and be at all erroneous. Idon'thave all that much work at the moment encouragement. It seemed as though Abingdon School football (which is why I have the time to waste writing to you), which is would proceed from being a minor break-time activity, to a a very clever lead in to a bit of info about my courses. Here at respected game complete with mentions in assembly, proper UCW, for the first year one studies three subjects. Mine are, in pitches and inter-school matches. ascending order of number of letters, French (Ianguage and literature, no less), Italian, which is limited currently to teaching Yetsince that historic day, nothing has been done about scrapping the beginners a bit ofthe lingo, so I haven't too much work to do the futilities ofhockey in exchange for the national sport. While there for the time being (thank goodness), and Information and I don't mind hockey (I was top scorer for the B team in the third Library Studies, which, I am pleased to announce, entirely year), I realise that rugby won't be scrapped seeing as it is the vindicates the 'communication studies' course in the lower sixth upper-class game and this is a public school. (weil, not really, but they do have some elements in common).

The real reason, however, why hockey should be scrapped is ILS is my main course, and it concerns (fanfare) the study of because in the Lent terms it rains and the games get called offand information organisation storage and retrieval, with particular the pitches become bumpy and unplayable. As the school can't reference to its application in the library (NB: this is not a afford astro-turf, most games and practices are cancelled. In quotation). This week's assignment concerns the differences in short, it's ajoke. presentation of information in the various mass media. (What fun!) Actually, this is an extremely useful course for all areas of Football, however, (a game in which I was School Captain and work (and should be strongly recommended to people not top scorer at my old school) is the easy and fairly costless answer. suffering from a vocation) as businesses of all kinds are rapidly A few goal-posts and balls are all we need. (And less bragging­ coming to recognise the importance of a person ski lied in Ed). The footballing talent in the school is fairly considerable; it information retrieval. These are the mysterious lot who call just needs to be nurtured and then we will have teams capable of themselves 'information officers.' doing the school proud. Possibly the most difficult aspect of university life is money (all Anyway, how many ofyou can name the winners oflast season's donations welcome). I managed to get a place in the best hall on hockey championship and how many ofyou really care? Football campus, Rosser. En suite shower room, fully fitted kitchen and is the most popular sport in the world, gentlemen, and failure to computer-controlled central heating has its problems. These are introduce it would leave me feeling 110% sick as a parrot, lohn, the most expensive rooms on campus, and leave me, on my when I decide to hang up my school boots at the end ofthe day! pitifully small grant, with very little money! lt's enough to make you turn Marxist (the union building is called the 'Mandela With any luck, by the time this magazine is in circulation, Building,' though nowadays I think people find this rather football will have booted hockey off the school calendar and embarassing). natiunal celebration can begin. You never know, in a few years we might have Old Abingdonians scoring the winner in the Cup WeIl, I can't stay and chat all day; a student must work, you Final. know. I'm offto the library! Yours, Yours sincerely, Harry White, OA. Rieh 'spokesman of the masses' Carter (6GGB) 10 THE ABINGDONIAN

MY GAP YEAR IN TANZANIA A YEAR IN AUSTRALIA

Having left the School in the summer of 1992, I decided to Everyone at Abingdon has come across our bronzed, Australian embark on something a little different. Iwanted to have the PE assistants but not everyone knows that there are ample chance to see the world from a less privileged angle, to use my opportunities to do the same sort ofjob in an Australian school time to do something that I would remember for the rest ofmy life during a year off. The chance of spending a year in the sun is and above all, if possible, for it to be a useful experience. When obviously attractive and to do so without having to worry about the opportunity came for me to spend six months working in prep or double-chemistry makes it hard to resist. Tanzania, I jumped at the chance. There are many schools all over Australia that offer places for In October, having raised the funds that I would need to support English 'Gappies' or 'Reutaponis'; I applied and was accepted myself for that time and with the help of the Old Abingdonian by The Scots College, a prestigious school in the Eastern suburbs Club, I set offfor what would turn out to be the most memorable ofSydney. Thanks to its stunning harbour views, its beaches and six months of my life (so far!). I worked at a Leprosy Centre its proximity to the city, this area is one ofthe most exclusive and located in the middle of Tanzania, about 45 km from the expensive in the country. For a poor GAP student it was a administrative capital, Dodoma. About 85 patients lived and marvellous place to live when I could avoid the constant stream worked at the centre. There were many who were treated in their ofPorsches and Mercedes. I could take a train into the city, walk own villages, though the inadequate road network made it to Bondi Beach and 'catch a few waves' orperhaps cruise on the difficult to reach many ofthose in need. My time was spent as an harbour in one of the school boats. Before you all rush to book odd-job man, my duties being anything from doing the accounts a flight I must mention the work that is required. I worked six at the Centre to installing a new water-supply system to the days a week with two afternoons off, rather like life in Abingdon. Centre from the nearby lake. The amount of involvement and satisfaction was very much up to the individual. This will differ enormously from school to One of the most surprising things that I found during my time school and at Scots alone there were three different job there was the feeling ofhappiness the patients and also the people descriptions. I spent most ofmy time at the Prep School teaching in the surrounding villages cultivate within themselves. Despite P.E., English and Maths as weIl as coaching the second team at the hardships that they suffer - food and clean water were often cricket ,but others taught Latin and French in the Senior School in short supply and medicine for even minor illnesses was or stayed at the school's putdooreducation centre in the mountains difficult to get hold ofand often too expensive anyway - there is supervising activities such as rockclimbing or bush-walking (in an incredible amount ofvitality and zest in their lives. They lead Australia the word 'bush' can be used to describe anything from very simple lives and even the smallest success, such as having an ornamental rockery to the desert). From my experience enough food, was an occasion for much rejoicing. It has been a everyone enjoyed it wherever they were because the staff made reallesson for me to see a leprosy patient, without any fingers on us so welcome. The Australians are famous for being laid back his hands and one foot amputated, laughing and smiling when and knowing how to have a good time and the common room at many around us in our own country, despite our material wealth, Scots was no exception. Any occasion was celebrated with a seem so unhappy. 'slab of stubbies' (translation: crate of bottled beer) and I was convinced of the difference in attitude to horne when a Parent/ lt was not all hard work, and I did have time to travel around the Teachersocial evening endedat 2.30am with a karaoke machine! country and visit the world-famous Ngorongoro game reserve and to travel to Zanzibar, the so-called Spice Island just off the This is only one of many choices available to someone taking a coast. I also spent a very strange Christmas in Dar-es-Salaam, GAP Year. There are possibilities in exotic cultures but for the eating octopus, squid, prawns and crab on the beach for my less adventurous Australia offers the chance to experience a new Christmas-day lunch. Itgave me achance to sampie the wonderful society (one which is fascinating for its similarities and differences hospitality ofthe Tanzanians and to get more ofa feel ofEastern to our own) but in a safe and stable environment in which English Africa. is spoken, albeit with heavy accent and endless slang.

Looking back on my time in Tanzania, I cannot claim to have I had the chance to see some of Australia in the school holidays improved the life ofthe community there and they are certainly but sheer distance meant that I could only travel up the East no better off than when I arrived. I have grown a lot as a person Coast. I will always remember scuba-diving at The Great Barrier and have, I think, learnt what things should be important in my Reef, sailing a yacht around the Whitsunday Islands, taking a life. My gap year has continued my education and has taught me 4WD vehicle around the sands of Fraser Island and white-water some things that I would never have learned if I had stayed at rafting in the rainforest. I was also lucky enotigh to see an horne. international cricket match under floodlights at the Scot, climb John Wilkinson, OA the highest mountain in the country and even visit Ramsay Street. These are just some ofthe experiences that I enjoyed in Australia and on my returnjourney I stayed in Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok, places that I may never get the chance to visit again. I cannot advise anyone to take a year off or how to spend one as we all react differently to situations, but I can say that my time in Australia will stay with me forever. James Tilley, OA THE ABINGDONIAN 11

Dear Editor,

I feel that I need somewhere to air my feelings and where better Most people I know are apathetic as to whether or not they attend. than the school magazine? Although much has been said about Whilst this is understandable, is it realiy what the school or the chapel, the powers-that-be never seem to listen to those who have chaplain wants to see? The services really would be better ifthey to sit through the weekly ordeal. involved the students more. At the moment the singing of the masters easily drowns out that of the dedicated few, and the I'm not about to embark on some personal attack on the chaplain saying of prayers often appears farcical. or those in the school who may be in favour of chapel, but freedom ofchoice (without which we wouldn't be at this schooi) Those in the sixth-form who wish to attend should have the should surely allow the heathens and atheists amongst us to opt­ opportunity, but those ofus who haven't found God could spend out! our Wednesday mornings far more constructively.l suspect that writing this may not bring about any changes (schools can be I don't want to deny those in the Christian Union, and others, notoriously reactionary), but now when I sit in Chapel on a their dosage of spiritual guidance nor their right to bow their Wednesday morning wishing I was somewhereelse, at least Ican heads and mutter to the heavens. Everyone should be able to see say I tried to do something about it! if the Christian path is for them and therefore I think that Religious Education should be taught. But surely only the junior Don't worry, l'm not adevii worshipper! members of the school (say the first five years) should have to Yours in Good Faith, attend chapel. If sixth-forrners are supposed to be adults, then Richard earter (6GGB) why can't they be treated as such?

Still Life with Lamps Tom Davison 12 THE ABINGDONIAN

THE WILLIAM MONEY-KYRLE MEMORIAL GARDEN

My first thought for a garden came at about the time the space for it was agreed to completely dear everything away, thus enabling The Boarders' Hall was created in 1988. The demolition of a me to see the space without clutter and in the end to realise a warren ofgloomy partitions and cubby holes, including a careers different design - less formal and more functional. room, made this new, airy meeting place and gallery into an important 'corridor' which most members of the school pass The ground was levelled, the steps connected to School House through each day on their way to the Dining Room. The old were raised, new walls and a wrought iron gate were installed to fireplace is flanked by the pleasantly proportioned windows complete the endosure; raised beds capped with industrial bricks which overlook aspace at the back of the school surrounded by were built alongside curved paths connecting the three doorways. high red brick walls. Since time immemorial this seemed to have Volunteers came on a number ofwet Wednesday afternoons and been a no-man's-land, housing dreary lean-to sheds containing helped the groundsmen to move tons of gravel and topsoil from a few bicycles, stray trolleys filled with rubbish, all presided over the gateway near Roysse's Alley into the garden. Mr. Harnes by a sick and lanky tree. built the walls; the Italian terracotta pots were bought from Millets Garden Centre; Graces made the wrought iron gate with In 1988 I presented the first sketches and plans for a garden to the WMK logo; Mr. Harris of Marcham was commissioned to replace all this and generally enhancethe view to the Headmaster. make the garden benches. Then came the trellis work made and He welcomed the idea and at some point discussed it at a Works installed by Mr. Nick Barnard. Everything about the garden - its Committee meeting. It was feit that at present the school could position, the terrain, the need foritto be ofall-year-round interest not meet the expense within the foreseeable future and the and easy to maintain - dictated the choice of plants, shrubs and drawings were put on file. It was therefore a surprise when Mr. trees. These are predominantly evergreen with an emphasis on Michael St. lohn Parker reopened the subject in late 1990. interesting and varied foliage. Ivies and ferns are planted beneath Tragically William Money-Kyrle had been killed in a Lonicera Baggesons Gold, Eucalyptus, Mahonia, Yew, Buxus, mountaineering accident in Kenya. His family and friends wished Cotoneaster, to name but a few. All are thriving and to donate a memorial to hirn in the school: would I be agreeable complementing the dominant red brickwork. In the summer this to hirn suggesting to them that the garden plan might weil be year the greens were enlivened by a colour scheme of reds and appropriate? We visited the site with Mrs. Money-Kyrle and pinks in the form of seasonal bedding plants - Petunia and Mrs. Gentles, a costing was estimated and happily the overall Impatiens - still thriving now as Iwrite this in mid-September. scheme was approved. Winter Pansies will tide us over until early next Spring when the dozens ofsnowdrops planted this Spring should shootup between the groundcover and sparkJe in the Winter sunshine. Funds allowing, it is hoped to plant numerous small pale species of daffodils to extend the Spring planting. Looking ahead to next Summer, I envisage a theme ofblues and purples and also expect to add to the varieties of ivy which are so suited to this position.

In October 1992 the garden was officially opened. An informal tea party was attended by Dr. and Mrs. Money-Kyrle, their family and numerous contemporary friends and teachers of William. The Headmaster made an appropriate speech.

A garden is an ongoing thing; itchanges with the seasons; plants come and go and it is hoped that wildlife will in due course proliferate in its leafy tranquil atmosphere. Our ceramicists and sculptors see it most effectively as an outdoor gallery for their more substantial frost-hardy works.

Perhaps one day a design competition will inspire a thought ofa Mrs lanet Boulton, Mr Michael St. lohn Parker, permanent work in the form ofa fountain, sundial or even a good Dr and Mrs Money-Kyrle modern birdbath. It is hoped that with continued care this previously dispiriting place can go on being a place of interest, Now that the idea was to become a reality I began to look again grow old gracefully and be an oasis oftranquillity within thebusy at this valuable space and examine its possibilities more life of the school. thoroughly. A stony, north-facing site with a sloping surface intersected with uncharted drains and inspection lids. What My sincere thanks to all who gave help and encouragement. entrances and exits would be needed, indeed required by fire Apart from those people already mentioned, to Mr. Tim Gentles regulations? Would the bicycle sheds have to be incorporated who as a dose friend ofWMKacted as fund-raiser and organiser, into the design? How many pupils and staff traversed the space and to Mrs. Margaret Andrews who did the administration in our and why? Did the kitchen staff i.lse it for any purpose? After accounts department. Lastly and most importantly all our thanks consultations with all the departments involved, especially Mr. to Dr. and Mrs. Money-Kyrle without whom the garden would Keeble and Mr. Gregg, these important details were resolved and still be a dream in the Headmaster's filing cabinet. Janet BonIton THE ABINGDONIAN 13

William Money-Kyrle, O.A. (1979-86), was killed in a climbing accident in Kenya on 31 July 1990. He was buriedat hisIamily 's home church oIHeddington, near Calne, in the presence ofa great crowd oI mourners, who included many of his contemporaries, together with the Headmaster and several members oIstaff. William was a young man oIquite exceptional charm and quality, as weil as outstanding ahility, and his untimely death seemed to all who knew him to be a most hitter blow; but though there was much justified grieIat his Iuneral, there was still more serenity and hope, reflecting his own happy spirit, and the strength oIhis remarkableIamily.

BOOKPAGE

Two members of Common Room have recently broken into Mrs. lanet Boulton, on the other hand, was essaying a quite print, and their 'opera' can be purchased at any reputable different task in her charming and beautifully produced edition bookshop. Each are very different and reflect the personalities of Paul Nash's letters to Mercia Oakley 1908-18 {pub!. Smith and interests of their respective authors. Settle Ltd. 1992}. If you like clear print, weil and thoughtfully

Dr. Hubert Zawadzki's study of the extraordinary political career of Prince Adam Czartoryski as statesman of Russia and Poland, 1795-1831, has just been published by the Oxford Clarendon Press, underthe title 'AMan ofHonour'. At justunder four hundred pages and costing ;(45, it is not for the casual reader, but has been weil received and praised in reviews.

For example, Norman Davies, writing in 'The Times Literary Supplement' on October 8th of this year, reviewed 'A Man of Honour' in conjunction with another recent publication on Polish history, in a way that must reflect great distinction on its author. I "Zawadzki's A Man of Honour, therefore, is a fitting sequel to \. Zamoyski's The Last King ofPoland. Together, they cover two long careers which span the origins, the execution and the aftermath of the Partitions. It is a formidable panorama, all the more moving since it is viewed through the eyes of men who strove to pit common sense against brote force. Zawadzki deserves high praise for his meticulous scholarship . Both these books combine readability with high academic standards; and both have helped to make long neglected major I/ subjects more accessible." ; /I;f; r-fli set-out texts ofletters (printed as written - spelling mistakes and often withoutpunctuation), interspersed with facsimile drawings and comments by a rather mischievous and sensitive young artist, then this is definitely an extremely attractive buy. If you are interested in Nash and his development as arguably one ofthe greatest English painters this century, then this book is essential. Janet Boulton must be congratulated for the elegantformat ofher book as must Dr. Zawadzki for his scholarship and massive industry in researching and writing 'A Man of Honour'.

The Abingdonian congratulates you both. Dr Hubert Zawadzki talks to Mr IP Foote, Fellow ofQueen 's College, Oxford, at the launch party for 'A Man ofHonour'. Digby Cayley photo: Digby Cayley 14 THE ABINGDONIAN TWO SONGS REWRITTEN IN HONOUR OF COMMON ROOM LEAVERS IN 1993 (Apologies to W.S. Gilbert)

Für Hugh Randolph, Nigel Hammond, Derek lones, Kathrin Stolz and Nathalie Revol.

I) The Sentry's song from Iolanthe 2) Pooh-bah's, Ko-Ko's & Pish-Tush's Trio from "Mikado" (to be readJsung in a South London accent) The band's so loud, When all week long those kids detained If he allowed, He follows up, to chase monotony, The players' pride to be his guide Derek exercises of his brains ­ They'd volunteer That is, assuming that he's got any! To quit this sphere Though never nurtured in the lap of luxury, Instead of he in '93. Yet I admonish you - But players' pride He is an intellectual chap Must be denied, And thinks of things that would astonish you. And mortified, And set aside, and set aside . I've often tried to understand (Fa la la la, fa la la Ja) His brain it teems How Derek and Nigel can command With endless schemes (Fa Ja la la la) Both wild and fun That every pupil in their hands For Abingdon Who hasn't yet got his life planned For Abingdon. (Fa la la la, fa la la Ja) But now he's quit­ Should either start in Derek's band The benefit And/or contrive to lead the land. That he's diffused (Fa la la la, fa la la Ja) The School will lose. They either start in Derek's band Now all the gang Or try, like Nige, to lead the land! To thank this man Fa la la! Must plot and plan As best they can. And French and German assistants I heard one day (For they've a brain and acerebellum, too) An HMI say Whilst they prepare such fun lessons, That classicists who've They still teach what their colleagues tell 'ern to. Been taught by Hugh But then the prospect of a lot Will rarely feel Of assistants - Th'examiners' steel In close proximity - And A levels gain; With pretty faces and "whatnot" They gain without much pain. We all enjoy unto infinity! Since this seems true Then thank God far Hugh And let's rejoice with loud "Fa la" Our courage screw (Fa la la la, fa la la Ja) To bid hirn adieu. That Nature always does allow (Fa la la la Ja) REPEAT in trio That the weather changes as Hugh predicts Or "obiter dictum", we'd be in the Styx, And so although And the people he's trained as Classicists He's ready to go, Still can play in the Band or in Politics Yet recollect (Fa la la la, fa la la Ja) T'were disrespect Abingdonians trained as Classicists Did we neglect Still star in Bands or in Politics. To thus effect Fa la la! Our thanks direct As we elect. THE ABINGDONIAN 15

ODE TO A DEVALUED CHANCELLOR

o Norman, 0 Norman, what have you done? Environment wasn't a job to shun, So now you're just a common M.P., Who can't tell the difference between 5 and 3.

Inflation and sterling both feIt your mark, But now they serve under Kenneth Clarke, Who will, Iike you, boast the discovery That Britain is finally into recovery?

'Twas you sir, by your 0wn confession, Who pulied us out of this recession, So is this thanks for our gallant hero, To replace hirn, and repay hirn zero.

And when you've died and gone to heaven, We'll think of you at Number 11, And gladly from our memories draw, Mr Hugh Randolph on Prize Day Your happy days as Chancellor.

For any seekers of political glory, Let us note the moral of the story: If you want to do weil, and stay off the backbench, And SO although Then don't go to Newbury, and don't speak French. He wishes to go, We're all amazed, B.Young The band still plays His baton sways On happy days The military craze Is still ablaze!

Let's go and show Both friend and foe How much we owe - For we all know They hate to go. Our hearts o'erflow With a grateful glow: Oh chaps - don't goi

For 20 years and over they've all shown their might For each and every one of them a weil fought fight We're pleased their presence with us is not over, quite, For each by their example is a shining light!

REPEAT ad nauseam.

© D.J. Pope, July 1993

Thinking Nude Patrick Carter 16 THE ABINGDONIAN

GRIFFEN BALL - 26th JUNE 1993 THE ABINGDONIAN 17

LAST TRIP TO WESTMINSTER

(a tribute to Nigel Keith Hammond)

Mr. Hammond sat quietly in his chair. It is not often that Mr. Hammond sits quietly in his chair. We (his Politics class) therefore thought that he must be up to something. "You know," he said, "you chaps and I have something in common."

We were all a little disturbed by that statement. After all, we were young, active and intelligent. What in the world could we have went first to the Lords. Black Rod stamped his mark on our in common with that grand old man of fifty-four? yellow tickets, and an usher led us upstairs into the gallery. From on top, we saw past giants of British politics speaking listening, He didn't let us know. He just looked down again from his tom grumbling, orjust sleeping. Those of us sitting on the front seats copy of "British Political Facts" and grunted. tried to identify the participants in that particular debate: Lord "You in a bad mood, Sir?" said Dan Blake. Jenkins was there, Lord Howe, Lord Hailsham (who looked right "No," growled Mr. Hammond, "I don't have moods!" noble, I thought), but not that great figure so much admired in common by Dan Blake and Mr. Hammond - the Leaderene (? ­ He didn't tell us what we had in common with each other. It was Ed.) Lady Thatcher. only much later that we discovered that he, like us, was to leave Abingdon School for ever at the end of the year. The chamber of the House of Lords has beautiful stained glass *** windows. The observers' gallery was parallel to statuettes of barons who were responsible for the signing ofthe Magna Carta, The Politics class trip to the Houses ofParliamentat Westminster and the glass had on them the achievements and coat-of-arms of was a special one this year because it was to be Mr. Hammond's various former members ofthe Lords. The Woolsack, we thought, last. Unlike in previous years, we were a little nervous making looked very uncomfortable to sit on. But we would never know. our way down because we were thought to have been less able As we listened intently to the peers' debate, we could see Mr. than previous Politics sets to understand the complex workings Hammond looking wistfully down. Maybe, just maybe, he was of the Commons and the Lords. We were, in fact, dirn. But that dreaming ofwhat could have been - when he, having retired after still didn't stop us pleading a day out of the small and cramped many years ofservice to the good folk ofSwindon, would be led room at Whitefield. We just hoped ("None of us would do that, out by his sponsors, to doffhis hat at the Lord Chancellor, and to Sir!") that we could wiggle our way out to a nice London pub take his rightful place, down there, as the Lord Hammond of once our Politics master wasn't looking! West Hanney. We went first to the Bow Street Magistrates Court where we saw Tom Ratcliff' s snoring, however, woke hirn up with a jolt. a stipendiary magistrate in action, and then on to the Old Bailey. Those of us who expected to see Rumpole were disappointed, Off we went to the Commons. There were few inside the because the barristers seemed a little too nice and too soft­ chamber, as the debate was relatively unimportant and there spoken. The defendant, looking plain in his jeans and T-shirt, were no divisions that afternoon. We sat high up, facing the looked bemused at the sight of this group of students all Speakers' Chair, from where Fenton Mortimer began to describe immaculately dressed in smart suits and without a single tie the distinctly equine features of one of the Labour Party MPs. askew amongst them. It was a plain and simple case... so simple The Commons looked small compared to the Lords, perhaps that none of us knew what it was by the time we came out. because it was far down from where we were. It was distinctly more egalitarian from the splendid decor of the Lords. After lunch, we queued up in front of the Commons. Mr. Hammond, however, being a great friend of many powerful The last section which we visited at Westminster was the political figures both in Government or otherwise, quickly drew Committees' Room, where the 'real work' of Parliament up to the guard in charge and demanded to be let in immediately, (legislating), is done. It was obvious to us that the argument right in front ofall the Japanese tourists. The guard looked not a seemed more lively, not in a stirring manner, but in a serious and little perturbed, but he agreed once Mr. Hammond showed hirn practical way. It is in Committee rooms that Bills are scrutinised. a letter from Lord Stoddart of Swindon, which gave us priority It is there too that witnesses are called to testify before the select treatment. We then promptly marched up, past the Great Hall, committees of both houses. The view from our particular and into the corridor leading to the lobby. Lined up on each side committee room was breath-taking: the Thames bathed in the of the corridor were paintings which depicted great scenes from rays of the dying sun. It was time to go horne. English history, and the members' lobby had on its walls busts of English monarch. Someone with a sense of humour had put * * * Edward IV under his bitter riyal Margaret ofAnjou, and Richard "Come on, Sir. It's your last day at school. We'll go down to the III the usurper under Edward V. Most of us just sat down in the pub for a drink. It's on me." niche comfy leather chairs. "No! Don't waste my time! I want you to revise!" "I am sorry Sir, but this is our last lesson at school as weil as Then, shortly afterwards, a shrill voice called out, "Speeeeeeeeeea­ yours. We are going to the park, all right?" keeeer!" The Speaker came in with her procession. Led by the Sergeant-at-Arms carrying the Mace, the Speaker made her way Mr. Hammond fumed. We left Room 47, He left shortly in a black robe with golden linings, into the Commons' chamber. afterwards, locking Mortimer's books inside. Then, like the We thought she smiled at uso summer half-term holidays right before our A-Levels, we were gone. We did not, however, follow her straight into the Commons, but BYthe Politics Set, 1991-1993 18 THE ABINGDONIAN

Out of Abingdon

THE CLASSICS TRIP TO TUNISIA 1992 It is strangely appropriate that we are writing this report on the who had an incredible capacity for wearing pullovers even in the back ofa "hygienic waste disposal" bag on the Tunis Air Boeing most stifling heat. He never failed to let loose our imaginations 727 which is taking us horne to England. After all, Tunisian food with his descriptions of whatever we were seeing at the time. is hardly renowned for agreeing with foreigners, and a substantial number of party members did succumb. The trip was excellently arranged; although we resented it at the time, our guide's insistence that we get up very early in the In no way, however, did this detract from the general enjoyment morning (the most unearthly hour was six 0'dock) allowed us to ofthe trip by all concernEd. Our very full schedule allowed us to wander at leisure around our destinations, some of which had visit several outstanding historical sites, Roman (both non­ superb medinas (Arab markets) in which we acquired aremarkable Christian and Christian) and Muslim, the foremost among which skill in haggling. It is recommended that a visitor to Tunisia must surely be Carthage. should go on an organised holiday such as ours, not only because there is no hassle in finding one's way around, but also because We are lucky that much of what was the great city of Carthage the guide, if he is good, provides useful information regarding still stands, although the Romans, who detested the Carthaginians, medinas and other places. At one medina, Wajdee told us that we razed this relic to the ground and sowed salt in all the surrounding should not agree to a price of above a tenth of what we were fields so that crops would never be able to grow there again. offered. Tunisia is a fascinating pIace, with both splendid sights Fortunately, such barbaric actions left enough remains to make to see and an atmosphere, which can only be experienced to be it interesting and impressive today. understood, yet which films ofbustling Arab markets convey to a degree. It was refreshing to be able to enjoy a week so far An integral part ofall our enjoyment ofall the places we visited removed from daily life at horne. was our guide, whose name we have attempted to write phonetically. Wajdee was a smalI, round, flamboyant Tunisian, Finally, thanks are of course due to Mr. and Mrs. Fishpool for arranging the trip and taking us on it; all those who went thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I am told that there is a similar trip to Italy proposed for next year; without wishing in any way to plug on the behalf of the Classics Department, if it is anything like the Tunisiatrip, it will be weil worth while.

Tim Ward and 8ugh Gittins

Roman Triumphal Arch admired by Richard Scott, Hugh Gittins Tim Ward

Roman Theatre at Dougga photo: Tim Ward THE ABINGDONIAN 19

UPPER SCHOOL SKI TOUR TO VAL D'ISERE The 1992 sixth form ski tour left Gatwick and arrived in Lyon the town. We also lost agame offive-a-side football to another without any delays. Af~er a lengthy coachjourney, steeply up and school despite our secret weapon Ben "Jones" Rayner, and we then down into Val d'Isere we arrived to 'perfeet' conditions. narrowly lost in the hotel quiz, thanks to some dubious judges' Being quite late into the 'festive' season, the decorations were decisions. al ready up and the slopes were very well covered. A supermarket and small shopping mall were situated right next to the 'modern A very enjoyable week was had by all and we were able to get style' hotel building and we were quick to buy our essential some fantastic skiing done. James McCormick's moonboots provisions for the next day's skiing. won the fashion item of the week award and everybody would like to thank Adam Brown for keeping us all amused throughout We were favoured with warm, clear weather throughout the the week, from 'blacking' to 'getting a drink of water' and even week, with little falling snow - though unfortunately a few days staying in his hotel room alone. The only skiing accident of the were a little overcast. Mr. Broadbent led the few beginners on the week was Mike Litchfield's head graze, which was merely a firstday and despite travelling up the difficult slopes we managed method of getting a free hai reut and fashionable head wrap. to find the more scenie off-piste routes down with the help of a couple ofski-rescuers. After our daily lessons we made use ofthe The skiing was brilliant for all: from the beginners (like myself) funicular railway, and many ofus recreated 'Ski-Sunday' on the to the more advanced there was a wide enough variety to please Olympic run; the way that the vaHeys were kinked meant that we all. For me the view from the hotel of the finish of the Olympic were able to explore them and ski back to the hotel for lunch and run was nice enough, but I'm sure others would point out that the dinner. view from the summit was one of the highlights of the week. Many thanks to Mr. Broadbent, Mr. Mansfield and Mr. Martin Our hotel was within steady walking distance of town and the for 'making' such a successful trip. free buses were regular as weIl. The 'apres-ski' was fairly active and among other things, we took part in the 'sumo-wrestling' in J. Sporle

FOURTH FORM GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO DOCKLANDS It was a bright and sunny morning as the two coaches were loaded helpful and informative video in which the riverThames told us with fourth form geographers, who were heading up to London's about 'his' life! Docklands. Everyone managed to stagger back to the coach, after a whole Upon arrival in London we were given out lunches (which were day's walking, with nearly everyone on time. duly swopped and eaten) and then hustled onto a tour boat. Our mission for this part of the day was to recorded land uses along The journey horne was somewhat more sedate that the journey the river banks, which was greatly helped by a beautifully-made out with everyone very tired after a busy day. map designed by Mr. Henderson. So everyone arrived back horne safely and with great notes for After this eventful trip we headed on to survey different parts of any oncoming projects. The Docklands, with help from our 'all day rail passes' . Also we R. Binning (4RPF) visited the 'London Docklands Development Centre' for a

MIDDLESCHOOLSKITOUR

This year the middle school went to Valloire in the French Savoie Alpes. Valloire is designated as one of the nine station villages, which means that it is judgedto have that particular village charm that so many ofthe purpose built resorts lack. The resort was weH suited to the beginner and intermediate skiers with plenty ofblue and green runs. Because of a lack of any new snow combined with hot sunny days we were very pleased to find that the main run back to the village was well equipped with snow cannon. However, it was disappointing for the more advanced skier that the large area ofunpisted snow down to Valmeinier (safe skiing with an instructor) was not open because of lack of snow.

The 'apres-ski' this time consisted of tobogganing, thankfully passing once again without injury, ten pin bowling, and skating. This tour was one of the most enjoyable trips that I have taken; congratulations to all who took part in it. A. MansfieId Rupert Mi/ner wins the day photo: R. Porter 20 THE ABINGDONIAN

1993 JUNIOR EUROPEAN GLIDING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Last summer, as a result ofcoming second in the 1992 National minutes previously, rolls by. You flick the waterdump valves to Finals, I was selected to represent the British team in the 1993 'open' and you know the glider will be shedding all the water you Junior European Gliding Championships which took place at La had in your wings (in order to glide further für a given loss of Roche-sur-Yon, France. At 18 years old I was, by nearly two height). You flash through the finish linejusta few feet above the years, the youngest to take part in this under 25s competition. ground, and simultaneously hearthe blessed words "goodfinish", pulling up victoriously - a job, hopefully, weil done. The weather at La Roche was certainly good by British standards, with 8 days flying achieved out of a possible 12, yet the locals It is not always so sweet. The trouble with flying is that when it said that they were disappointed with the conditions. Each day goes wrong, it tends to be quite severe. Thus the pilot has to be the competitors undertook a different pre-set course (or task), disciplined and not push so hard that he runs out of options. wh ich varied in distance between 150 and 500 km. On the 500 km During one very difficult flight at La Roche I was 12 miles out flight I was airborne just under eight hours and had to cope with with enough height, the computersaid, to get home; but abnormal an immense headache, as weil as being physically siek. I was sink meant I gradually fell below glide path. Two other gliders very pleased to get back in one piece! were following me. Three and a halfmiles outI decided that I was not going to make it and peeled away from the other two, Cruising at 80 to 100 mph is tense stuff, especially with one's planning to land in one of the few fields available between my eyes scanning for any gliders ahead and searching for the 'big' position and the airfield. The field was smalI, to putit mildly. Into thermal to save valuable time. Just as you're getting low, the wind, the speed as low as I dared, using full airbrake, I touched characteristic glint of wings turning in the distance indicates a down just past the surrounding fence. The fence at the far end glider turning in lift - you pray it's a good thermal. You arrive approached fast, getting bigger and bigger. I started to pray. beneath it, hauI back on the stick and pull the heavy glider into "Stop, please stop - l'm sorry about all my sins - I'II never be bad a c1imbing turn. Once high again you speed on, concentrating again, please, just stop". The rolling goes on. "This is it, I've like mad, sweat all over your body, as you calculate your next finally over-cooked it!" A conveniently placed softer area of moves. How far to home? Is the weather improving? How can I grass stops me - just five feet from the fence. Phew! My mouth get ahead of that German just half a mile away? How do I go is dry, my body soaking, I stagger from the glider relieved to be around that militaryairspace without losing time? The li~t is down safely. The other two gliders landed short of the airfield endless, the pressure continuous. also, but one had pushed it too far, finishing up wrapped around a tree, his glider written off. Towards the end ofthe flight the gliders are spread further apart and slowly, oh so slowly, your destination creeps c1oser. Forty My final position was 23rd out of 32 - not spectacular, but miles out you start to think about final gliding (the point at which pleasing. I had gained more experience, learnt lessons and you can glide straight in without needing more height). Ifyou are thoroughly enjoyed myself. IfI can get back in the British team as high as 5000 ft this might be possible from as much as 30 miles I hope to return and do better still. Hopefully when I'm 23 or 24 out. At 25 miles you are normallyon final glide, constantly I will be one of the top pilots in the competition! putting distance to run and the head/tailwind strength into the computer so it can tell you the height you need to get back. On It might not have been possible to have had this wonderful the glide path, 10 miles out and by now down below 2000 ft the experience but for the generosity of the Old Abingdonian Club, airfield looks impossibly distant. The computer says you can do Tappins Coaches and most of all my parents, who continue to it, common sense says you can't! You press on. Four miles out support me to the utmost oftheir abilities. Thank you. Finally, I you are now very low and the airfield looks very flat; all you seem apologize to all those school friends whom I have bored silly over to see is the perimeter fence. Two miles out you can see the recent years with my gliding fervour. computer was right after all, you're going to make it. You put the speed on. One mile out you are at tree-top height doing 120 mph. David Allison Suddenly the perimeter fence, which looked so distant five

LOWER SIXTH GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP TO BLENCATHRA

Amidst a pile of rucksacks and tragads, 29 Lower Sixths, all The group was split into two, each group conducting three days' cursing the British Rail seat reservation system, trudged off the Physical Geography fieldwork and two days' HumanGeography, platform at Penrith station having left Oxford six hours earlier. including a visit to the City of Carlisle, where an 'Urban Land Boys were then stuffed into hired minibuses and trailers. We set Use' survey was conducted by all twenty-nine involved. offforthe BlencathraField Centre located about 5 km to the west ofLeawick on the side ofa mountain range some 300 metres up Work continued late into most evenings, but we were all weIl fed in the Lake District. and a few even found energy for some early morning runs. When we were not working (although a rare event), the Centre provided Unbelievably it was not raining when we arrived, and, much to very good leisure facilities and we all returned horne feeling we Mr. Maughan's disappointment, it did not do so for the majority had worked hard on this very worthwhile week whilst enjoying of the week. This allowed us to conduct five days' valuable all ofit. Thank you very much Mr. Maughan, Mr. Henderson and fieldwork, aided by the Abingdon Staff and two residential Mr. Fishpool. teachers from the Centre. Geography A-Level Students 1992-94 THE ABINGDONIAN 21

PARIS TRIP REPORT The February half-term Paris trip for the Lower Sixth began in a down the Seine, and a night tourofParis by coach, where we were sleep-starved haze outside Abingdon coach park at five in the privileged enough to meet Mr. Biggs! There were also other, morning. Thejourney seemed to take for ever, but we were lucky unofficial, trips, but they weren't exactly on the "places-of­ enough to visit several motorway service stations. interest guide"! Everyone seemed to enjoy the night-life (some more than others, possibly!), with the bars and cafes around the Everyone perked up by the time we arrived in Paris and we were hotel doing great business! pleasantly surprised by the standard of our hotel, despite the rather dodgy nightclub across the road. The restaurant was Finally, thanks to Miss Milligan for arganising it all; Mr. Hofton, excellent, with extremely tolerant waiters. Mr. Bailey, Dr. Horn, Neil (and his jumpers) for keeping us in line. Also to Hugh Gittins (whose excellentFrench saved us from After a good night's sleep and a large breakfast hoards of more than one dodgy situation), the boarders for providing the Abingdonians descended on the Louvre for the first leg of music (sic) on the return journey, Matt Porter for his exploits, cultural enlightenment. My abiding memory, however, is walking Dan Otterburn for being responsible (seriously), and all the rest around in circles for about an hour looking for one of the who made the trip such a success. Lastly thanks to our cult-hero paintings - and not finding it! Also on the itinerary were Notre­ bus driver: one hundred and eighty miles in five hours isn't bad! Dame, the Musee D'Orsay and L'Orangerie, Versailles, a trip R. Carter (6GGB)

Les Invalides photo: Rohert Porter Place de la Concorde photo: Rohert Porter

BOAT CLUB U.S.A. TOUR A tour abroad during the Easter holidays, it was hoped, would be We rounded offthe twelve days with a visit to a 'shopping mall' beneficial to the senior squad not only in terms ofrowing but also (where we all bought ourf35 worth ofAmerican Purchases - and to help us form a closergroup. During the Lentterm it was finally no mare), a Chinese meal and a karaoke session (where James decided that we would visit some schools in Massachusetts and 'Jackson' McCormick's rendition was greeted with cheers from Connecticut. We would particularly like to thank M.D.Martin all). far the great job he did in attaining the cheapest possible arrangement, as only someone from north ofthe border could. A Apart from a lot of hard work our tour provided us with unusual lot offund raising was necessary in order to bring down the cost, insights and new ideas. We had great fun experiencing the therefore we staged a 12 hour five-a-side sponsored football American way of life, eating junk food in countless hamburger match. We are grateful to Richard Haynes who volunteered to restaurants, playing basketball far hours and generally enjoying join us in our desperate efforts to keep the match going. After 12 the hospitality of the schools which we visited, namely Tabor, hours of solid Premier-League style playing, in which Michael Pomfret, Groton and Brooks. We are very grateful to them far 'Miguel' Litchfield particularly excelled, bowside defeated providing us with free accommodation and food, which we strokeside by a considerable margin. devoured in huge quantities, and allowing us to use their equipment. As a result ofexperimenting with theirequipmentwe We eventually arrived in Boston on 14 April '93 and were met even boughta set ofthe controversial 'Big Blades' afterreturning by the Tabor Academy's coach, Mr. Fernlea, who welcomed us to England. befare whisking us away to the academy, so that we might have an early night, in order to join the five 0'clock training session The tour was very successful and enjoyed by all. We would like with 'his boys' the next morning. This was the order ofthe day to thank R.D. Foster, 1. Watkinson and P.A. Greaney for their throughout the trip. Two or three outings and/ar a run, ergo and/ work in helping organise the trip and ensuring its smoothness. ar weights per day and not fargetting the 'wind down' session Most ofall, we would like to thank M.D. Martin for managing to which included circuits or agame of basketball. Faced with the get the whoIe trip off the ground - let us hope it will be a good choice of basketball ar circuits, the 'Dream Team' b-ball skills springboard to achieving our goals this season. increased remarkably. James Sporle (VI B) 22 THE ABINGDONIAN

CHAPEL CHOIR TOUR TO BAVARIA (APRIL 1993) Notlong afterthe highly successful Chapel Choirtripto Bielefeld instrument. It turned out that there was one piano in the school. in 1992, Mrs. Manship began hatching plans for a sequel. The We were, however, warned that it was very old. Upon inspection new destination was Bamberg, an ancient Bavarian town nearthe it looked reasonable. We tried to move it from its classroom old border with East Germany. domicile on the other side of the playground and it creaked, twisted and fell to bits. Two legs and the pedal board were lost We arrived in Bamberg after approximately nineteen hours' immediately! Not knowing whether to laugh or maintain a travelling, by which time many ofus looked fairly close to death! respectful straight face, six of us carried the remains across the Our accommodation was a former boarding school which formed playground, depositing the carcass at an alarming angle in the part ofa Carmelite monastery in the heart ofthe mediaeval town, hall, where it remained, to our surprise, the right way up, if not complete, we were to discover, with a very loud bell tolling at in perfect tune, throughout the concert. Our audience for this 6.30 and 7.30 every morning! Food at the hostel, concocted from concert of English church music was a huge mass of anarchic­ das Deutschegefängnisrezeplbach neveronce failed to disappoint, looking teenagers. Not until afterwards did we discover to our MacDonald's benefiting as a result! surprise and delight that everyone had attended entirely Our first concert was in the beautiful late-seventeenth century voluntarily! In Sonneburg, music and other art events are still civic church ofSt. Martin. Ranged across the bare stone steps of few and far between. the altar, the choirofthirty-five had to contend with the huge time On the way back to Bamberg, we stopped at a little village right lag between them and the organ, high up above the west door. on the old border, to eat our substantial packed teas provided by Despite a few sticky moments the acoustic was, by the time ofthe the generous Sonneburgs. A short length of heavily graffitied concert, almost conquered. concrete wall remains outside the village as a memorial to the 'badtimes' .We investigated, where once armed soldiers patrolled. We shared this first concert with the native adult 'Bamberger Madrigal Choir' who sang unaccompanied sacred works including Our final concert took place in the Franz Ludwig Gymnasium Bruckner's 'Locus Isle'. The performance was fine and they (secondary school) in Bamberg. Ouraudience was disappointingly stayed to listen to our half of the concert, greeting it with much small but it included some members ofthe Madrigal choir, eager enthusiasm. for a second instalment. Although they were appreciative, maybe they can invite their friends next time?! Next day we travelled to Sonneburg, near the old border, and part of what used to be the German Democratic Republic which Finally came the trip to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. The prospered during the prewar years from the toy industry, its highlight for most of us was travelling at seventy metres-per­ factories alone producing twenty percent of the world's toys; second to the top of the Olympic tower which commanded today, however, it had a sad prospect. Most of its buildings are excellent views over the city, the Olympic complex and B.M.W. in poor condition and most of the roads consist only of headquarters directly below. unconsolidated rubble. Despite all the obvious hardship, however, the eastern Germans were more friendly than anything the 'west' typically, we lost two people in Munich. Christopher Houseman could offer. An entire year group from the school, where we had was recovered after only half an hour by a smug-looking Adam, already consumed the best meal of the week, gave up their but Richard Percival's loss brought a number of us to near afternoon to show us around the town's toy museum, of which exhaustion in pursuit and finally we decided to leave Mrs. they were all obviously proud. We also visited the main church, Manship in Munich. Fortunately, they both returned by train which is only now being restored after years ofdeliberate neglect soon after nine o'clock that evening. by the Communist authorities. Save this final mishap, the trip was a mag~ificent success and Our concert, later that afternoon, was in the inauspicious weil worth while. Great thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. Manship, surroundings of anineteen-sixties' school hall. We found, on Mr. Lewis, Mr. Wickens, Kathy Manship and Claire for fixing arrival, a tiny Casio electric keyboard as our accompanying arguably the best Chapel Choir concert tour to date.

Buses leave photo: Ammar Tahir THE ABINGDONIAN 23

ART SCHOOL TRIP TO FLORENCE (27 Aug 93 - 3 Sept 93) lohn Chandler, Alex Greaney and I were lucky enough to spend a week in Florence with Mrs. Boulton as our guide. The plane landed late at night in pouring rain atPisa Airport, where we were met by Mrs. Boulton, who accompanied us on the trainjourney to Florence. Next morning we had our first sight ofthe city. We took a bus to the Piazzale Michelangelo up on the side of a hili south ofFlorence, from where we had a complete overview ofthe city. Immediately we realised that Florence was notsome rundown mediaeval city. From a distance the reds of the roofs and the apricot colours of the walls ran together to contrast with the surrounding silvery green countryside and the brilliant blue sky. Thirty minutes later we were standing in front of the enormous Duomo (Cathedral), the dome of which is a comparable feat of engineering to the Pyramids - if piling stones one on top of the othercouldbe described as such (why notthe Pantheon in Rome? - Ed.). TheMuseumofthe Duomohouses Donatello's Magdalena and the original door panels by Ghiberti and Pisano. Next we visited Santa Croce, the Westminster Abbey of Florence, with the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Rossini and Machiavelli. Beside the church lies the Pazzi Chapel and Cloisters of Brunelleschi, which beguiled us with their tranquillity and elegance.

Day 4. Another bus trip through the beautiful Tuscan landscape to the mediaeval town of Siena, horne of the Duccio School of painters, traditionalists who paid less attention to perspective. We ate our lunch on the shell-shaped cobbled square outside the vast town hall. Inside the building we found Simone Martini's 'Maesta' and frescoes by Lorenzetti. We ended the day with a tour of the Gothic cathedral.

Day5. Wereturned to San Lorenzo to sketch from Michelangelo's Medici chapel until we were evicted by museum officials. Disheartened by this, we trudged off to the Uffizi, where Mrs. Boulton gave us a guided tour of numerous masterpieces by Giotto, Botticelli and Uccello. We also saw great works of Alex Greaney. John Chandler, Jon Coleman at Pisa photo: Mrs Boulton sculpture from Greek and Roman times.

Day 2. Fortified by numerous cups of coffee, we stormed off to Day 6. We spent the day at the Church and Monastery of San SantaMariaNovella, anotherfine church, whichcontains chapels Marco, where there were many glowingfrescoes by Fra Angelico, dedicated to the leading families of Renaissance Florence. The including the famous 'Annunciation'. After a pavementpicnic of Altar Chapel was frescoed by Ghirlandaio for the Tornabuoni bread, cheese and grapes we went to the church ofSr. Mary ofthe Family. Also of note was the crucifixion fresco by Masaccio. Carmine, which is dominated by the newly restored fresco of Outside we admired the cloisters with frescoes by Uccello. In the 'The Life of Sr. Peter', started by Masaccio and Masolino and afternoon, we sketched the church ofSanto Spirito with its bare completed by Lipi. yellow facade. Day 7. We said farewell to our favourite piaces in Florence - the Day 3. We admired the church of San Lorenzo, built for the Pazzi and the Standa Supermarket- and made some final sketches Medicis and designed by Brunelleschi with a later unfinished ofthe Church ofSantaCroce. At 3.15 pm we took the train to Pisa facade by Michelangelo. Within the complex, we found Airport and then a taxi in the rain to the Piazza Miracoli to see the Michelangelo's mathematically precise staircase which leads up Leaning Tower. We arrived back at Gatwick at 8.30 pm, stunned to the Laurentian Library. The Medici Ricardi Palazzo close by by all we had seen. The trip was a great success, thanks to Mrs. contained the fascinatingjewel-like chapel by Benozzo Gozzoli Boultonand all those Italian ice-creams and pizzas we consumed. depicting the 'Procession of the Magi'. After lunch we took the bus to the town of Fiesoie to see the Roman remains. Jonathan Coleman (VI JEF) 24 THE ABINGDONIAN

PARKER ON CHINA It had been a long time coming. I had had over two years to plan were on opposite sides of the city so we spent an inordinate what I would do and it goes without saying that I didn'tcomplete amount oftimetravelling. However, there were good things to do all I had set myself. The Headmaster had been kind enough to - a train journey (definitely a highlight, but by boring diesel) to suggest that I could spend all my time "drinking gin on the sun Suzhou where the attractions were the superb 'Garden of the terrace", ifthat was what Iwanted, but I decided to be a bit more Nets' and visits to a silk factory. We spent a good hour in the adventurous; - do some travelling, some mathematics (getting typical Chinese garden which, though not large, was skilfully the act together for the declining years !), some work on amiddIe created to give many different views as one walked round. At the school careers course, a little time on a preserved railway, some silk factory we saw the whole process, from dealing with the work on the cottage we had newly acquired - and the rest of the worm to the finished article. A typical silk is worked on by two time drinking gin on the (new) sun terrace! workers for several months; the eyestrain is phenomenal (all retire by the age offorty). We saw one highly privileged worker As most readers can guess, the most exciting part of the whole who had been provided with specs. One silk ofwhich they were operation was the travel. lanet and I were celebrating our silver justly proud was double sided, with the Prince of Wales seen wedding and it was natural to take the opportunity to do something from one side and - yes, you guessed correctly - seen from the rather special. We plumped for China. other. We had many visits, somegood, some dul!, to factories and shops: each guide had to take us to a set one and would be in Air China, the equivalent of Aeroflot, but unbelievably better, trouble with hersuperiors ifshedid not. Onthe trainjourney, first gave us our first glimpse of the high standard of Chinese class (Iace antimacassars), we were treated to green tea and an hospitality. On arrival at Beijing we were greeted by masses of opportunity to buy silks and ties atridiculous western prices - silk posters "A more open China welcomes Olympics 2000" and ties for D: one was marked "made in China for Liberty's of could have been forgiven for thinking that the matter had already London". Shanghai itselfoffered the waterfront with its bustling been decided! Writing this six months after our trip, I confess to but filthy river on one side and a panorama of rich and varying a sneaking sadness that Sydney won the vote; maybe one way of Victorian architecture on the other. Here we had difficulty helping improve a country'sreputation is to get in there alongside escaping from the guides who were frightened we would get lost the people, show good will, and help to educate them. - but blunt talking and common sense prevailed and we took a Beijing was unseasonably hot and very noisy. The unusually protracted walk on The Bund. Here we were accosted by non­ wide main streets were full of cyclists, with road side pumping English-speaking Chinese who gesticulated madly at us and and puncture stations (no DIY here). Memories include the pointed at my camera. Eventually we gathered that they wanted beauty of the Summer Palace gardens, the colourful tracksuit a photograph ofus with their family - western beards and ladies uniforms of young schoolchildren, the sheer size and vibrant with blonde hair are pretty rare sights, it would appear! The colour ofthe Forbidden City, the expanse ofTiananmen Square Chinese in general, the wealthy ones at least, are photographic (where, incidentally, the guides did not want us to go - but we maniacs and spend much time taking photos ofeach other against insisted), the MaoMausoleum (he was in but wedidn't visit), the everything from historic buildings to the latest Pepsi sign. disdain with which officials treated the devout in the temples, the walk to the Ming tombs, and ofcourse the Great Wall at Badaling some 50 kilometres from Beijing. At the Wall the guide said most tourists turn right - so we turned left, giving ourselves a tougher climb on very steep steps: that way we avoided the crowds and walked as far as we could before coming to a section not yet restored. Magnificent views included a sight of the Beijing­ Moscow train on the Trans-Siberian. Tourism has arrived, the level ofcommercialism was unexpected, and we were surrounded by people selling T-shirts (very good and very cheap); haggling was rife (two coolie hats for less than the price ofone). The Great Wall Certificate has pride of place at horne.

We then moved on to Xian, which was nearly as hot as Beijing, very dusty, with a large shanty town area and families seemingly spending all their time on the streets. It was here that we first saw From Shanghai we flew to Guilin. Each leg took us further south the slit trousers ofChinese children being put to good use - they and to a cooler climate and by now we were in a very wet region simply squat in the gutter! The souvenirtraders worked very long not too far from Hong Kong. It was here that we had a truly hours from seven in the morning to weil after midnight. Our main magnificent boattrip down theRiverLi. Fourhoursjustwatching memory of Xian must, of course, be the Terracotta Warriors. the scenery go by; those sugar loaf mountains are not a figment These guard the entrance to the tomb of the Emperor Qin. Two of the artist's imagination. A wonderful relaxation towards the pits have been excavated so far, with a third to come soon. The end ofa hectic programme. Whilst in Guilin we had a second trip size ofpit No. I was far in excess ofanything we had anticipated to the river to see trained cormorants catching fish and we visited - more like Wembley than the Manor. The craftsmanship ofthe the night market. Here ear plugs are obligatory as the idea is to figures was superb, with many variations of face and uniform. grind the visitor into submission with a cacophony ofsales talk. This we didn't understand in any detail (!) but that didn't stop Then to Shanghai - a bustling, overcrowded metropolis with a them. We struck a very good bargain for a lace tablecloth, traffic problem worse than London's. The airport and our hotel THE ABINGDONIAN 25 finishing at weil under half the asking price. successful; "congi with beer' was reminiscent of Polyfi lIa with bits and the jellyfish was like discarded Royal Mail rubber bands lightly fried in Castrol. The best meal throughout was the feast on the boat trip on The Li. It was a superb banquet though we were glad we didn't see the kitchens at the back of the boat until we had eaten. How do you do the washing up when you' re afloat and think no-one is watching?

Finally Hong Kong, where we spent three nights. Flying in there at night is a memory etched on the mind. Hong Kong was a great experience although, by now a little travel weary, we settled for staying fairly central. The Peak Tram, the metro, the Star Ferry, the sheer density of building, afternoon tea at the Sheraton waiting for the suit to be finished, good reliable food and very cheap electronics are all memories to treasure but are nothing compared to the large Rodin exhibition in the new galleries. Out ofFrance for the Before we leave China the observant reader will spot that the first time were 'The subject of food hasn't been mentioned. OK here goes: we were Thinker'accompanied by 'The staying in western standard four and five star hotels throughout Kiss' and The Gates Of Hell' and were advised to take American Breakfast. Lunch was always (truly awful) and many other taken in a Chinese restaurant during a break in the sightseeing pieces. An excellent way to and was excellent in the north, getting worse as we went south. prepare one for the 17-hour Dinner was in the hotel and most "ate western". The one evening flight horne, courtesy Cathay we tried something Chinese, in Shanghai, it was not particularly Pacific. Charles Parker TRIP TO BIELEFELD During the Summer term of the fifth year I was intercepted by Up until the Untersekunda, the equivalent of the fifth-year, all Mr. Hasnip and asked whether I was interested in going to teaching is done in forms, as aJairly fixed curriculum is followed. Bielefeld during the Autumn term. I heard nothing more about it In the three-years of the Oberstufe or sixth-form, however, a until, a few months later, Ireceived a letterfrom my host-family, variety of optional courses are taught. Each sixth-former must the Haubolds. A fortnight later I was in Bielefeld. learn two Leistungskurse, which are a bit like A-Levels, and about eight Grundkurse, like AS-Levels. Although this sounds Bielefeld is a fairly large town, which like most German towns, like a lot, the total workload is about the same there as it is here. is spotless, with efficientpublic transport and strict town planning All the assessment of pupils is done internally by means oftests (Iocal taxes are also quite high). Similar to many north German called Klausuren. towns, it has some buildings with stepped gables and a large British garrison. Heavy wartime bombing means that the After the ni ne years in secondary school, all male Germans must Ratsgymnasium is now one of the oldest buildings in the town do National Service. Most serve in the Bundeswehr, or federal centre. army, for a year, but anyone who claims to be a conscientious objector can do civilian service lasting for 14 months. Then, and only then, is it possible to go on to university, where long degree courses mean that some, like potential doctors, will not even graduate until they are about thirty.

I stayed with the Haubold family in a suburb ofBielefeld called Senne, which is on the side of the chain of low hills called Teutoburger Wald. To get into school each day, I travelled by tram. As the first lesson in the Ratsgymnasium starts at 7.50 am, I had to get up very early. However, the early start means that the school day ends at lunch time every day, Monday to Saturday. The Ratsgymnasium photo: lohn Asher During weekends, I went out to visit pI aces like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. The Ratsgymnasium, being located in the centre, is very different from Abingdon School. Everything is inside a single large I feel that it was both a very enjoyable trip and a useful experience building, and most rooms have the same shape, size and colour­ which I would recommend to everyone interested, even though scheme, making the interior decoration somewhat monotonous. the only success I had in the newly-inaugurated Lower-Sixth Their sixth-form commonroom is only about a quarter ofthesize Tests immediately after my return was in the German test (what of ours, so it can be very crowded there. happened to the rest? - Ed.). John Asher (6WHZ) 26 THE ABINGDONIAN

TENTORS '93 45 roiIes. conversation died as our spirits dipped to their lowest ebb. However, we laboured on past tor six in reasonable time to pitch Team: David Malcolm: leader camp for the night at tor seven. We pitched our tents as near as Tim Baker we were allowed to our next tor. The last thing we feit like was William Wagner cooking but as we had eaten only Mars bars and energy tablets Henry Powell-Jones all day we knew that we needed lots ofcarbohydrates to survive Richard Scott the last three tors, and so the cooking commenced. Such dainties Stuart Fisher as burnt baked beans, burnt rice and burnt spaghetti were served (one did have the option of having all these things uncooked if It was 5 am on Saturday 26th that we gathered shivering on the one preferred): we feasted on these culinary delights, stretched gravel in front of school: everyone was in good spirits (though offourtired muscles and collapsed into our tents. Atthis pointthe mentally still in bed) and swapped notes on clothing which had effect of our first day's walking became apparent: where once either been borrowed or bought at great expense. Richard Scott feet had existed, now were swollen white lumps with growths, in particularwas not found wanting in this department, threatening not dissimilar to craters on the moon, erupting over their entire to beat up anyone who challenged the superiority of his coat's length. three-way breathing system (or something). We woke the next day to the sound ofheavy patteringon the roofs Conversation quickly ran out as lack ofsleep took its toll and we of our tents; the rain had come. It was almost inevitable that all slept soundly for most ofthe four-hour journey to Dartmoor. Dartmoor'smore usual climate should be revealed at some point. As we approached Oakhampton Military Camp we saw the tents Having packed up our tents we set off into heavy drizzle; we oftheotherentrants sprawled in their hundreds overa huge field: made tor eight in good time and the weather improved slightly we chose our camp site and promptly set up our tents as rain until tor nine. Tors nine and ten were the worst of all: the rain began to set in. We checked in and talked eagerly of the course came down in sheets soaking us to the skin and everyone's spirits and the challenge awaiting us, blissfully unaware ofthe thirty-six dropped except Richard Scott'sandWill Wagner' s. Richard was hours awaiting us on Dartmoor. either walking proofthat his coat worked after all ormaybe those Our first task was to satisfy the scrutineers that we were fully pills he was taking did the trick. Will 'no pain' Wagner came equipped; unfortunately the tents were included in the inspection through it all with a smile on his face; no one, including Will, and we had to uprootthemonly halfan hour afterhaving putthem knew why. The last two miles were uphill into strong wind and up. With this tedium out ofthe way we ate heartily and squeezed horizontal rain but we got to the finish, dirty and too exhausted our bloated bodies into sleeping bags for the night. to even speak.

We were woken first at three thirty by Stuart "the limb" Fisher's We collected our certificates and medals and collapsed gulping perfectly executed somersault on account of his bad negotiation in the cool Dartmoor air, happy that it was all over. It was of the guy ropes; having narrowly escaped suffocation we fell apparently the hardest ten tors for along time and several teams back to sleep. Unfortunately we were woken again only an hour had been forced to pull out, yet we had done it and caught the cup and a halflater by those 'pranksters' in the army who decided that final on the radio in the process. I would like to thank Mr. Baker it would be the height of amusement to play such classics as and Dr. Horn for driving us around and looking after us and Dave 'Chariots ofFire' and 'I wish it wouldrain down' loudly overthe Malcolm for navigating us right over the highest tor on Dartmoor Tannoy to wake us up. Our spirits, however, were soon revived completely unnecessarily. by the excellent cooking of Mr. Baker and numerous mugs of H. Powell-Jones coffee.

At six forty-five we arrived at the starting line; the sun was shining and at seven 0'clock we set off in good spirits with Dr. Horn looking despondent, sincerely wishing he could come with us, but it was not to be. After about two minutes Tim Baker collapsed (with exhaustion!) only to tie up his shoelace. The first tor we encountered was 'Kitty' which was only a few miles away and we made it in good time, wrongly assuming that we were a tenth of the way there. (We were in fact about one twentieth). From 'Kitty' onwards the weather was constantly changing on account ofDartmoor'sexposure to high winds, so we had to keep adding and removing layers, with the result that we were either freezing or boiling.

Nothing ofgreat note happened from tors one to five: we walked at a good pace and kept more or less on schedule and the weather was good. It was tor five onwards that the problems started. Tim was having problems with blisters and we all had to slow down our pace and bear with hirn. At tor five we collapsed, fatigue had begun to set in: from then onwards the pace began to slow and Henry Powell-Jones leading in. photo: R. Porter THE ABINGDONIAN 27

55 miles. 14th May 1993. "The tents were blown back at camp so the only shelter was Bill Dutton: Team Leader, Robin Morris: Navigator, the minibus where we changed into fresh wet c10thes and with Nick Hardy, Jeremy Hart, Simon Drew, Kevin Squire. blisters bigger than our toes, we returned to Abingdon. We will never return to Dartmoor..." Weather: Tor Name Distance Total (min) Time/ Min Speed Sat a.m. Strong West wind, Showers of hail & Sunny Periods, (min)/km Distance/km Hrs Km/Hr good visibility. Streams and rivers full and bogs swampy. Wet 0 Start 0 0 07:06 0 feet for Bill. I Shilstone 8 8 08:46 4.8 12.5 09:59 3.7 Saturday p.m. Strong West winds, haiI tumed to rain, sunny 2 Steeperton 4.5 3 Sittaford 6 18.5 11 :42 3.5 periods ground still very boggy - stream and rivers in flood. Wet - Combestone 11.5 30 15:14 3.3 feet for all. 4 Pupers Hili 4.5 34.5 16:34 3.4 Sunday a.m. Stronger, bitter SouthlWest winds, continuous rain. 5 Hartor 7 41.5 18:37 3.4 Tors covered in cloud. Waterproofs required all the time. Air 6 Trolesworthy 5 46.5 19:25 6.3 temperature cold. Team soaked. 7 S. Hessary 8 54.5 06:24 8 Staple 6.5 61 08:00 4.1 Sunday p.m. Gale force 8 winds, continuous driving rain, much 9 Rough 8 69 10:25 3.3 ofwhich horizontal. Mostofmoorexcept valley bases filled with 10 Sourton 12 81 14:49 2.7 cloud - poor visibility and navigation difficult. Very cold - Team Finish 5.5 86.5 16:08 3.9 drowned. Choppers grounded. Bill Dutton (ex VI H) BOARDING LIFE 28 THE ABINGDONIAN

I I Showcase

SELECTED HAIKUS BY lW

TheWar Cars School Long rifles straight and tall, Rushing by very fast f go there in rain, Old boots in the corner lie. Letting offfumes into the air. Get extremely bored Tattered memories on the wall. Another car goes past. And go home again Chad Mason Jonathan Earley John Walford

Night Train The Fossil Night is colourless; Like a big head, Underground it lies ft doesn 't let you take a look Linking with so many small bodies, Covered by the earth's layers At what is out there. Running on its track. Many thousands ofyears old. Joseph Otterburn Joseph Yau Mark Munro

The Weather Cock Cherry Blossom Coral He sits on the spire. Lush white globes, falling. The storm overhead He tells the wind's direction, Cherry blossom dropping down, The coral safe under the waves, And he's no liar. As the day is dawning. In a peaceful world. Michael Pagett James Eaton Mark Munro

Sun Summer's sun beaming /t's golden rays ripening Fruit for the harvest. THE RIGHTS OF SPRING Tom Partridge Spring is the season ofmuch joy, Life is the job, it is employed. SPRINGTIME Any ponds with no ducks there Are obviously dry and without care. Spring is the nicest time of Hedges, bushes and other green plants year, Sprout around us and we see at a glance Lovely crisp mornings, Spring is here, no doubt about that, White shining blossom, SPRING Time to get out the old table tennis bat! Beaut(fulflowers, The smell ofthe mown grass wafts to Bursting here and everywhere, A mist ofgreen in patchworkfields, my nose Birds returning, Budding hedgerows forming defensive While green grass is wet around my toes. To their nest sites, shields. f see colouiful quilts ofpatchworkfields Hedgehogs waking, New seeds the farmer sows, As hedgesform the boundary shields. lee melting, Fastfoodfor the cunning crows. Birds are singing, my ears are ringing; Clouds departing, Daffodils dance in the warm spring On the telly, no more skiing! Making way for the clear blue breeze, Ah, the clear waters ofthe stream, sky, Waiting patientlyfor busy bees. In its wetness the hot sun gleams. Dazzling sunshine, Flowers showing their exquisite art, New seeds the farmer does sow, Taking us out ofwinter's clasp, Children playing in the park. Ooh, fast food for budding crows! Church bells ringing, The heavenly skies once more turn blue, The damp smell offresh grass Warm sun clasps the earth, The outdoor train shunts past, cuttings, BoalS are waiting at their berth. "Woo woo!" The cricket season, Blue sky brightens dull, old towns, Spring is the season ofmuch joy, Oh hooray, A circus comes with tumbling clowns. Life is the job, it is employed. Whack, Any ponds with no ducks there The ball goes for six, Spring is here, good-bye to cold, Are obviously dry and without care. Oh I do love Spring. Another season to unfold. B. Darling (I W) J. Otterburn (I W) J. McNally (I W) THE ABINGDONIAN 29

ANGELICA "Listen up cowboy. If da' money ain't here by midday "O'Reilly shud up!" said Shakleston. "Let me do the tomorrow you're gonna have a little surprise. Now beat it, ya' thinking. Hey! Let's take da' money and do away with Smyth. filthyass." That's a great idea. If only you could have thought of that "Look you don't have to go to all that trouble. l'm not one." bothered, honest." Shakleston's five employees fell silent. "We're not here to mess around, do I make myself clear. "Now get ready, he'll be here in a few minutes," shouted You've heard what we had to say, is it all clear?" Shakleston. "Oh, huh-huh. Yes." "Now get out of MY SIGHT!!" Five minutes later lohn stood in the doorway, his gun hidden lohn scampered to the dOOf. "Bye," he called. They replied in his pocket. with a round of lead. lohn ducked, missing the fire, opened "Where's da' money Smyth?" the dOOf and ran outside into the night. "Sorry to let you down lads, I haven't got it. Instead ma­ may." He paused and started again. "Maybe you'd be Ten minutes later he arrived horne; a derelict shack north of interested in fifty cows?" town. lohn wasn't married, but had an adopted daughter "No, you had ya' chance and ya' blew it. Now we're called Angelica, (Angie for short), who was aged about six, gonna' blow you" but no one was really sure. She was Iying on the carpet next to The five huge men neared lohn. 0' Reilly lifted his gun and the hearth with her pet cow, Honker. lohn's mother sat roared: sleeping on achair. She had the rather unusual talent of being "Get hirn!" able to carry on knitting though asleep. She was a fast knitter and could knit twenty stitches to each snore. Gun shots sounded all over the derelict old building. lohn "Hello, Angie." leapt behind a pile of bricks, drew his gun and fired back. It "Hello, Dad. Did you kill anybody today?" seemed hopeless: lohn just couldn't hit one of Shakleston's "Um." men. After a few minutes, lohn's gun gave up on him. "Bah! Why can't you be like Lucy's Dad? He kills Frantically he fell to the floOf crying. someone every day." "M-U-M-M-Y!" "I-I, I used to when I was younger." "Are ya' giving up Smyth?" "I bet. Dad you're useless, it's abnormal." There was no reply. "ANGELICA, get into bed! And for the last time, it's not "Come on guys, let's finish off. We can take his cattle abnormal to be a coward. And get that disgusting cow of anyway." yours away. It's leaving the contents of its stornach on my Suddenly from the back of the warehouse the latch on the carpet!" dOOf swung across and the door flew open. "Night Daddy." "Howdy guys, let's go play." "Night Angie." It was Angie in a cowhide jacket and cowboy boots which "Where's the pot? It was here," cried lohn, while Angie reached past her knees. She had a dark Stetson and was listened intently from behind the dOOf. carrying two beautiful large rifles in each hand. Reaching to "If I can't find the money 1'11 just have to take my gun and her pocket, she pulled on a pair of sunglasses. (How many apologize." hands does she have? - Ed.) Angie chuckled from behind the dOOf. "Suck this, ya' filthy rats," she said, loading her guns. "Angie, go to bed! Do your realise the time? It's Shakleston and his men turned and fired. She stepped aside, 30' clock." letting the bullets ricochet against the wall. "Now it's my "Dad, who wants money? Is it Peter Shakleston? I bet it is!" turn." She held out the guns and shot. The bullets spun into "Angelica! I just owe hirn some money. Not much. Now, the throats of three of the men, knocking them to the floOf. go to bed, you're tired. I can see you yawning." Only Shakleston, 0'Reilly and Redwood were left standing. They were so amazed, they didn't react and fire back. Early next morning Angelica woke up to find her Dad gone. "Whoops," the small girl joked. Then, dropping her Without dressing she searched the house. She gave Honker weapons, she hoisted up the chord around her neck. Attached her breakfast in front of the fire. to it was a loaded machine gun. "Granny wake up! Where's my Daddy?" "Been nice knowin' ya' suckers." She raised the gun and "Said he was going for a walk," the aged couch potato pulled back the trigger. The noise was incredible, but the gun managed to say. was effective and all three men toppled over onto the dusty "Granny you're irresponsible. I don't know, letting hirn out floor." on his own like that," wailed Sam. There was no reply, just a "Did you see that Daddy?" said Angie. "That's how Lucy's loud grunt coming from Grandma, who had lapsed back into Dad does it. Now your go!" knitting. A. Holland (11 years old)

Back at Shakleston's warehouse, preparation was being made for lohn's appearance. "What'd ya' say we take da' money and do away with dat feeble prat Smyth," suggested O'Reilly. 30 THE ABINGDONIAN

NEVERA BOSNIAN POEM CROSSWORD He looks at me, Which is to take him Andfrom his hands, With tear-stained eyes; From his home, I receive A dictionary His small hands, From the death One last moment Is not solelyfor looking up useful Pressed against And the suffering, Ofwarmth, Words. The cold glass walls Which engulfs this country. Before he goes. lt is a tool Ofthe steel prison, D. Logan In the writer's world ofmake-believe, Offantasy. Di'ctionary n. Book Explaining, usually in alphabetical order, The words ofa language or Words and topics ofsome special subjeet Orauthor. An author may be several things but, above all, He, or she, should not be ­ Ignored, Takenfor granted, Despised, or criticised (too much). He is in fact (orJiction), Au'thor n, Originator (Ofa condition ofthings, events etc.); A writer ofbooks, essays etc.; Author's writings. Writing is - THEWOUND The natural skill we develop, The wound seems small But this sort never heals As time passes to others, a mere scratch no matter how hard you try, In an hour glass until the last letter­ caused by a name, just small it never quite leaves, grain creeping but truer than you think completely: it bruises. Stealthily forward, Plunges down into the never-ending But to the owner it's deep It bruises deep and stays pool ofwords strung and sore. It sticks around, there hurting. All the time Together into phrases, and deepens and it's much worse it's there, black and blue. Then sentences. than a cutfinger that heals quickly. Andjust a slip ofthe tongue can open it Words are utensils, as potential pen again. power David Jones (3DWDC) In your grasp, Lying dormantly, In wait, In the dictionary. N.A.Munro

MYESPELING

Mi speling is apallling, ['me toled it is erattlk, Ifi'me nott botum ofthe klass, I reely get xtatik.

Teecher Sez that ['me so bad, I knead sum educayshun, He sez ifI dont buk up soone, [,le bee wurst in The nayshun.

I dont reely se the poynt Oflemin' 'owtospel, It just dont cum naturul tu me, Yu se I camt rite wel. J. Walford (l W) Still Life Alex Hutchins (5) THE ABINGDONIAN 31

OURWORLD GROWINGUP LOOKING BACK WHALES... A small child, running in dungarees, Growing up is an uphill struggle, Four whales swimming in the sea, The only thing at my height was alt the Everything seems harder, One gets shot, now there's only three. adults' knees. Much more is expected ofyou, Three whales swimming side by side, Voices from the heavens, thunder and Now you have to unload the dishwasher An oil stick comes their way, another boom, - (not Mum), one has died. "What a sweet tittle child. Does he have You have to leam how to behave like his own room?". Two whales as beautiful as they may be, an adult, Walking under thefurniture, hiding Men in boats kill them, out in the deep And you have to do your homework under seats, blue sea. Now the only thing at my height was on your own, One whale gets scared and swims onto all the adults' feet. You are expected to organise things the shore, "He '.I' broken out ofhis play-pen, he '.I' for yourselj, This one has died, how many more? gone at a glance. As you get more mature you are He 'd break out ofColditz, ifgiven half more ca Im, You don 't play wirh your toys any more, TREES... a chance!" When I'd walk out ofhiding, they'd You go out, meet girls, go to clubs, Four trees where aforest used to be, exclaim, "Oh, there you are!" You start to enjoy yourse(fas an adult, One dies, now there's only three. Then they'd hoist me up into the air and Then you reatise that you've grown up, Three trees are no longer big and put me back behind bars. You look at same tittle kids playing strong, When it comes to toys I must be the and say to yourselj, Especially after the men with chainsaws best, come along. Putting "Fisher Price" and even "I was tike that. " Two trees growing strong and high, "Tonka" to the test. L. Jackson (2S) The acid rain comes along, one begins Ifgiven a plaything, I'd break it in two, to die. Or quickly proceed to flush it down One tree grows up into the sky, the loo! Pollution kills this one, how will A lot ofyears have past now, I'm a they cry? pupil at school, GOOD-BYE All my friends have grown up, and think The pain i s too much ELEPHANTS... they're so cool. A thousand grim winters grow Four elephants walking side byside, Ink pellets and homework, all in his head. The men with rifles come along, an trademarks ofmy studious life, And now they will go wandering elephant has fallen. And occasionally annoying teachers, whose careers are ridden with strife. Away from their belligerent home, Three elephants in the water, splashing Those days are my most enjoyable, Awayfrom the bloody conflict, and having fun, though they've moments ofdisaster­ Away from the distant cries, Two ofthem get away, while one falls I threw a rubber at a gentleman '.I' hat, victim to the gun. The enmity, and it tumed out to be the Headmaster! The doleful warrior, Two elephants wild andfree, The purposeless warfare. Another gets shotfor its tusks ofivory. Yearsfly by again, as I've become a Why? For they began ir. One elephant gets abullet wound and middle-aged man, All the days right up to here are only falls onto the floor, Away they shall go: the children, their This one has died, how many more? halfmy lifespan! To avoid the work that comes wirh my mothers, job, I hid in the toilets as much as Wandering wondering, MEN... I could, More loved, Four men breathing smog and smoke, Till my boss reatised my computer was More wanted The very next day one begins to choke. off, and I'd not been doing as much Than ever. Three men work in a nuclear dump as Ishould. In his ears, the sounds ofthe instead, coming dead. But one gets infected and soon he Time flashes by again, as Ireach the age ofoldness, Throllgh all seasons; through all pains. is dead. But my most important problem '.I' my Two men start walking about, No drug to lock his senses head- I've a serious case ofbaldness! But yet standing there pensive. But no water is found, so one dies of I have not seen a tooth for many a day, drought. for they arefar between andfew. Back home, the flowers in his garden One manforms cancer ofthe skin, In fact, the problem became so bad, I grow down. I'm asking you to save our world, don 't bought somefalse teeth to chew! Their colour is pain let pollution win. Their fragrance sorrow. Time has flashed by me, my life has Stephen Fabes (IW) When his child waves good-bye gone so fast, But I still believe in Santa Claus and the The only colour is black ghost ofChristmas past. The only sound the broken bell. T. Frankum (2S) R. Patel 32 THE ABINGDONIAN so YOU WANT TO BE IN MOVIES? If you are anything like me, you take a healthy interest in films: It is actually quite easy to appear in a film. My particularrole was going to the cinema once in a while, perhaps hiring a videotape that ofa singer in the Collegechoir, (and I actually start the whole for those long evenings when the marking etc. dries up. You thing), but if you happen to be around Oxford with time on your watch Barry Norman's "Film '93" now and again and pat hands when the film crew are there, you can sign on as an "extra", yourself on the back that you are keeping up to date with all the in which case you will get paid f40 a day to hang around, be well latest films, stories and, ifyou have a particular staras your hero, fed and watered, and possibly be summoned to appear on set in with his orhercareer. So whatdoyou do when someoneasks you the shot. In Attenborough's films of course, with his casts of to appear in a feature film? You thump yourself on the back thousands - think of Gandhi- it is actually quite Iikely that you because, as Langbridge said, will be able to wave to Mum. There are side benefits, too -I have had no less than two expert 1950s' haircuts, and my black shoes "Two men look out through the same bars: regularly shinedforfree! (Whatdo you mean, you nevernoticed?!) One sees the mud, and one the stars." Nice work if you can get it! Perhaps rather you should ask yourself whether you prefer mud or stars? Sir Anthony Hopkins is the star in this film. (And I still haven't plucked up the courage to see "The Silence of the Lambs"!) Ofcourse, my profuse thanks go to my long-suffering colleagues Directed by Lord Attenborough, it is called "Shadowlands" and on the staff and to the Headmaster, who have variously enabled is the story ofe. S. Lewis' life and loves atMagdalen College in me to be in Oxford forthe filming and recording. SirAnthony has the 1950s. Itopens in the D.S. beforeChristmas 1993, and should promised though, that at some point during his busy global reach British cinemas around spring next year. schedule over the next two years, he will try to come to Abingdon School to address us all on how to be a star - so watch this space. In the meantime, look out through those bars and study the picture and dedicated autographs below, they should hopefully whet your appetites for the day when the Star appears in the Amey Hall!

D.J. Pope, 8th July 1993

Sir Anthony Hopkins

Lord Attenborough THE ABINGDONIAN 33

"THE GOOD CITIZEN"

- an essay on the condition ofsociety in 1993 and growing up Citizen out of me. 1'm trying to turn out all right - happy, in this society. successful - an asset to society. 1'm under pressure (so are Ashley, Brian, Charlie, David etc.) It's 1993, 1'm seventeen Possibly at no other time in human history has life been so years old, almost grown up (but not quite) and 1'm scared that complicated, complex and dangerous. The narrow path oflife is there's little hope left for me. ! try to think of others, I try to be surrounded by countless evils of all kinds and it is becoming happy, I work hard at school, I live by some of my own more and more difficult to remain on the path without falling personally-established morals and principles CI try my best, I victim to one of the demons. love my family, I'm anti-euthanasia, anti-abortion, anti-capital punishment, pro-monarchy and maybe l'd still vote Conservative While we are a long way from the type of society that Aldous if there was a general election tomorrow). But all around me Huxley would have us believe in, we are certainly very far also people and things are falling apart - notjust things a million miles from an entity ofany distinct happiness or security. The phrase away (famine in Somalia etc.) but things close to horne. 'human nature being what it is' is becoming more and more disturbing for the very reason thathuman nature itselfis becoming I have what may be called a safety clause - despite any cynicism more disturbing. Society now is more aggressive, more ruthless in my character, I can sincerely state that - yes -I believe in God and less caring than ever before. Add to this other factors - the and - yes -I believe in life after death. newage of liberalism, the increase of undesirable elements in society, the flounting of long-standing moral principles, the To return to more mortal matters - Liberalism is dangerous; dominance of greed and selfishness replacing 'old' ideals - and Freedom of the Press is one thing (another thing about which ! you have a picture ofhorrific proportions where recklessness and have strong opinions) but this media-Ied age of irresponsibility, ungodliness have become commonplace and most moral sexual promiscuity and so on scares me. The media have become principles have been discarded. our 'dictator' - they feed us propaganda, 'nurture' us - tell us what to do and how to do it. They are as corrupt as the corruption they This cannot pretend to be an earth-shattering philosophical claim to fight against. The mess we're left in is a bloody one. theory like those of Burke, Russell or Freud; nor a fantastic prediction ofthe predicament ofsociety in the future, in the style I only ask that this be read with some attempt to understand my of Wells, Huxley or Orwell. What it can be is this - a personal views. 1'm not trying to be pompous, condescending orclever. If work (opinionated as anything personal must be) of self­ you have anything to criticise, then do so. Certainly - you won't expression about something for which its author cares agree with everything I' ve said, but then l'm probably being very passionately. I hope that this work, or at least apart of it, will be naIve in believing that this will cause the slightest difference to valuable to its readers. what anyone else thinks or does.

Civilisation must bring with it many problems. These problems Wilbur Smith said - 'Always look to the future, there are not are there to be dealt with in orderto allow civilisation to continue. regrets in that direction.' Weil -I can already see the regrets. Yet we may have reached a stage where human nature and society has become so perverse that it is beginning to destroy People may question my motives for writing this ("He's insecure"/ itself. We may have reached a stage where the problems which, "He's struggling forrecognition"/"What is this tripe?"). Some of up until now, we have always conquered, have been rendered these may be true. insurmountable simply because society has become destructive, Yet I was feeling very inspired when I wrote this. Tomorrow - or too immoral and too blind. Therefore the problems will build up the next day -[ may end up flat on my face. This has been a type and give rise to further problems until the water is too deep to of imitation of my secret heroes - people who REALLY inspire swim to the surface. Ifwe have not reached this stage, we may be me - Martin Luther King - J.D. Salinger (lots of zany teenage about to. philosophy) - John Lennon (he's just. .. inspired). I wish to get down to detail, seeing as I could easily be accused Thank you for your (undivided) attention. of throwing about vague and casual theories of pretentious magnitude. Violence, drugs, pollution, war, famine, oppression, Good night - God bless. racism, sexism... a random list of evils very much in evidence Yours, throughout society. There are many more. Arecentphenomenon Zoo! Verjee to emerge from the annals of moral consciousness is that of 12:05 a.m., Monday, 14 June 1993. Political Correctness. Crimeis increasing. Marriages are breaking up with increased frequency. Our beaches are now officially the most polluted in the Milky Way (though apparently Neptune is thought to have even worse beach pollution - must be those spaceship joy-riders). (Huh? - Ed.)

I'm worried: I don't want my parents to split up, I don't want to be nuked, I don't want to get skin cancer caused by UV rays getting through the hole in the ozane layer because I used too much deodorant spray last week.

So, you see, through all this, people are trying to make a Good 34 THE ABINGDONIAN

THESPIRE

Surrounded by a cluster of buildings Staring wistfully at the waves, Protruding over the rooftops, Watching eagerly as the ocean raves. lts stone, grey eyes, Covered in moss and sand, Spying on mischievous children, Creating cast/es with their hands. Recliningfigure Nick White After years oftorture from the waves, Crashing against its walls, Listening contentedly, As the angry seagull calls.

A thin red haze settles in the west, And to a halt another day grinds, As the old tenor bell precariously swings, And eight 0'clock it chimes. Stilllife J. McNally (1 W) Kier Darby (5)

Portrait NeU Barlow Nude Michael Fowkes THE ABINGDONIAN 35

AUTOMATIC CAT FLAP

Part ofa Technology Project submitted by Robert Finch for 7) The tlap must open with ease or on its own, otherwise the cat his G.C.S.E. Course. will not go through it. 8) It must not let any other cat in. IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM 9) The end product should be waterproofand draft proof, as it will be submitted to all the elements. I have a very lazy cat which always wants to go out at the most 10) It must look attractive, without drawing too much attention. inconvenient times. At the moment we have a good, solid cat­ 11) It must be secure. Therefore it should not exceed the present tlap but it can be quite heavy to open, especially for a smalllazy hole dimensions of21O mm by 175 mm. cat like ours. 12) The final product must allow enough time for the cat to get Another problem with ourcat-tlap, as with most, is that othercats out without catching its tai!. can stroll in unchallenged. This has become quite a problem as cats have come in when we are all at school, eaten all ofour cat's EVALUATION food, and left our cat to starve all day. Ifwe let this continue then Looking back at my specification I see that I have succeeded with the othercats may go further and use the whole house without us most. The system is safe, with a minimum number ofloose wires being able to do anything about it. and the electronics neatly hidden away in a small box. However, the pump is very unsightly and big and one improvement would More importantly, our cat is very nervous about using ourtlap as be to find a pump with all the power and quiet, but halfthe size! when she is just leaving it, it shuts on her tail! To avoid this the The end product seems very reliable and durable, as there are few only thing that can presently be done is to hold open the tlap for moving parts. The tlap is not very draught proof, this is because her; which, when we are around, she very much insists on. the aluminium zed section was too big. IfI were to make it again I would obtain the correct, smaller, size of section. ANALYSIS 1) I could Ieave the cat-tlap open all the time. This would solve My original estimation of nine or ten seconds for a time delay the problem ofthe cat having to open the tlap, but wouldn't stop proved too long due to the high power of the pump, which I had anything else coming in and would play havoc with the heating. not expected. A modification would be to make the delay less, 2) Design something to let my cat in and out. This would be more say five or six seconds by altering the capacitor and resistance tricky but would salve all the aforementioned problems. values, using the previously mentioned formula. 3) Train my cat to go out through the tlap. This would be very From the outside the tlap is very discreet, possibly neater than our time consuming without necessarily having the desired outcome present one. The inside is less attractive, but still 'presentable'. at the end. It still wouldn't solve the problem of the other cats. My tlap is certainly quieterthan the present one and does not tlap 4) Take out the tlap and let the cat in when you can. This would and crash in a highwind, as ours does. stop other cats coming in but my cat would still moan and hassle uso Apart from the small problems, the major deviation from the 5) Put the cat on a course of energy pills. This may eventually specifications is that the tlap is not totally specific to my cat. I make ourcat keep others away, but again the result may not quite found that there was no cheap way of doing this and that a be the one desired. pressure pad was the closest I would get. Ifmoney had not been 6) Continue to open the tlap for her. This may save her the pain a problem I would probably have used a transmitter like that used of getting her tail caught, but does not improve the in the locking device of the electronic cattlap on the market. present situation. Again, on the positive side, the end product was cheap, easy to service and secure. SPECIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE IfI had more time I would try to make my design more compact, I have chosen to design samething to let my cat in and out and so easierto install. As it stands at the moment it would be hard automatically. This is because it seemed the most practical and to install into our dOOf as would solve the problems previously mentioned. the main sections screw For this project it is important it has the following specification: into the wood, and the door 1) It must be very safe, as if there are any loose wires Of sharp panel is very thin, about 3 edges the cat could easily get caught up and hurt. mm. This could be done 2) It must be durable, because the cat may use it up to 20 times by making the side aday. supports from a strong 3) It must be compact; big enough to let the cat in and out, but plastic and, as many any extraelectrical boxes should be as inconspicuous as possible. commercial flaps, 4) It must be very reliable, as ifthe system breaks down then the including our own, do, cat will either be locked in orout, and either is distressing for her. stick them on with astrang 5) It must be quiet, because noise can frighten her so that she will double-sided sticky tape. not use it. However, this would need 6) The cost is quite important. There is no point in making to be investigated further. something that would be cheaper to buy, the cost must not out­ way the benefits. 36 THE ABINGDONIAN

MERCERS' COURT - demolition THE ABINGDONIAN 37 38 THE ABINGDONIAN

"I, CLAUDIUS" PORTERHOUSE BLUE by Robert Graves by Tom Sharpe "Another damned thick square book!" The Duke ofGloucester's Porterhouse Blue is another highly satirical and amusing novel stricture applies to many a book, but it categorically does not from one ofBritain's greatest modern writers. Making a mockery apply to Robert Graves' "I, Claudius." of the highly conservative Establishment, amongst other things, one could be led to believe that this was a Left-wing novel, until For the modern reader brought up on the works ofDick Francis, Socialists and their ideals also suffercomplete humiliation under Joan Collins, Robert Ludlum and of course Jeffrey Archer, a the brilliant hand of Tom Sharpe. novel set in Roman times would be a candidate for the rubbish bin. However, one page into the book you are aIready compelled The novel is set in the fictitious college of Porterhouse, in the to read on. heart ofCambridge University. The college boasts no scholars or hard-workers, just the bone-idle, the rich and, of course, the This fascinating novel has all the excitement of a modern day rowers. The moral standing ofthe college is echoed in the motto; thriller (Are you sure? - Ed.). The story revolves around the Dives in omnia - riches in everything. Highly set in its ways, the powerbroking, treachery, politics, greed, murder, high finance, college is still stuck somewhere in the mid-seventeenth century high living, immorality and insanity prevalent amongst the in every manner possible. It seems intent upon continuing its clique in Europe. secluded and sheltered life forever, until disaster strikes... "I, Claudius" is written as ifby Claudius hirnself, as a history of When the ailing Master of the college dies, he fails to name a his life. The introduction consists of four short paragraphs to successor. To make matters worse, the college council cannot clarify this. We are told that the Sibyl at Cumae prophesied that elect a successor either, as the votes are equally split between the "Claudius the Stammerer" should "speak clear 1900 or near." In Dean and Senior Tutor at every count. order to fulfil this prophecy Claudius wrote the history ofhis life. Having consulted the Constitution, the council discover that the Claudius has to explain the complex relationship between the Prime Minister has the choice of next Master if the council various families, and, to fulfil this withoutconfusion, heintroduces cannot decide. Seeing a chance to rid hirnselfofhis government's them gradually. For instance, his tutor Marcus Portius Cato was biggest liability, the Prime Minister chooses Sir Godber Evans, one of six notable men of that name. Upon examination of the who is duly elected by the council to the Mastership. Never in the imperial family tree ofthe time, it is to be noted that very few of entire annals ofour history has such a big mistake been made by the males had married twice; in fact Claudius married four times so few, or so it seems to the college. and one of his wives was only sixteen when he had reached the age of fifty. Almost all the imperial marriages at the time were The new Master arrives accompanied by his wife (very much like arranged by Livia, third wife of Augustus, who quietly disposed Hillary Clinton, but without the humility and timidity) and ofvarious possible spouses who mjght have disrupted her plans. immediately lays out his agenda for reform, including the admittance offemale students and scholars, and the instalment of As weil as learning about the intrigues and plots of daily life in a contraceptive dispenser in the mens' toilets!! Such treachery to Imperial Rome, the social history is also skilfully welded into the the name of Porterhouse provokes enormous dismay, anger and story. The style of writing is such that you wouId have learned a bewilderment to members ofthe college council, and also to the major part of Roman history by the time you reached the end. Head Porter, Skullion, a descendant ofone of the college's first The first reading will provide a great deal ofentertainment, while servants. the second reading gives no less entertainment but also the The book continues in its amusing, well-written and, in places, reward ofacquiring a lot of knowledge. "I, Claudius" is a novel highly explosive manner, as the author brilliantly describes the which rewards another read and as such is a wonderful holiday hair-brained schemes that the college council devise, in order to investment. Evidence of the appeal of"I, Claudius" is that sixty rid themselves ofthe Master. Ifby this time, you have not feIt the years after its first appearance the novel is still in print. This is urge to read this book immediately, then watch out for the sub­ testimony to its literary value and readability. The book is plot concerning the post-graduate student and his bedkeeper. wholeheartedly recommended. To conclude, this book is a must for everyone who mistakenly W.J. Rollin (3RSH) thought that the great Universities of England had actually arrived in the twentieth century. Lovers of the so-called 'dass war', and anyone who enjoys a good satirical novel would be weil advised to read this one, but must be warned that, once picked up, it is impossible not to read from cover to cover. Barry Young (3DJH) YAK'S HAIR The main problem that yaks have to He must have a very good pay, But as the humidity is almost cope with, But when you're the cutter ofyak's hair, unbearable, Is an extremely tough hide full ofhair, There 's a chance you 'll be at it all day, They're lives must be ridden with strife, The heat encompassed inside it, Such hair does have its advantages, Having hair as consistent as steel, Is more than most people could bear, (Though I can't think ofthem yet), And the heat it's a problem to cope, The temperature ofthe torridity, !t's probably why most of But there's nothing that wouldn't be They can stand is a wonder to all, the hairdressers, cured straight away, Amongst all the masses ofhairyness, Are situated in Tibet, With a nice hot bath with some soap. Underneath they must be very smalI, Insects must thrive by the millions, Who benefits the most is the hairdresser, All manner ofmosquitos and wildlife, Thomas Frankum (2S) THE ABINGDONIAN 39

Clubs and Events

FIRST YEAR INDUCTION DAY

- 1 September, 1992 After lunch we got back into OUf original groups for the initiative test. For this we had to get two sticks out ofa bucket ofsand. We At 9.20 am on Tuesday 1st September, my Mum dropped me off were only allowed to use six pieces of cane and eight elastic at the Bursary and as 1walked up the drive 1wondered what my bands and couldn't tread past a certain point! Having achieved friends would look like in school uniform. this, we went inside and had to write down the fifteen most important things we would need if we were stranded on the 1 signed in and had a sticker put on my back; 1 had to find my moon! When this was completed we had a brief meeting with our opposite (I was Obelix, so 1 had to find Asterix). At 10.00 tutor. everyone got changed ready for orienteering. We were divided into groups and my leader was Francis Malone-Lee, a second After the meeting with our tutor we changed back into OUf form prefect. The orienteering took place all around the school, uniforms and met OUf parents. Then we went to the Chapel for a so we leamt where everything was, which was useful. At the end service where we were welcomed to the School and the we had to work out an anagram:- it said, "WELCOME TO Headmaster gave a talk. ABINGDON!" We had some refreshments and then we were told the result. Ourteam had won and we all received a snack-size The dining hall was our final destination, where I introduced my Mars bar! Mr. Dillon (Lower School Master) gave us abrieftalk parents to my tutor, Mr. Foster. We had tea, chatted with friends and then we were organized into groups for the next activity. Our and then went horne after a very enjoyable and interesting team was in the Sports Hall doing exercises in awareness, trust Induction Day. and team work. LT., Music, Drama, Art and Woodwork were PanI Edwards (I F) also on offer.

Mr Dillon addresses the throng photo: Benan Omar JfJ

Stephen Turner (fomer Editor ofAbingdonian) shows offthe Middle Schoollunch queue Older Cup. photo: Digby Cayley 40 THE ABINGDONIAN

PHYSICS OLYMPlAD Anybody fortunate enough to have read 1993 INTERNATIONAL Peter Haynes' article in the last year' s issue will have quite a good idea of what this • competition involves. An article on the PHYS I es OLYMP I AU Physics Olympiad is becoming quite a (I PhO '93) regular feature!

The method ofselection forthis competition essentially involves nailbiting occasion. I was pleased to come 30thoutofthe 210 and an examination. The top twenty candidates then proceed to team to receive my Silver Medal, although slightly disappointed to be ranked only third in the UK team. Once the celebrations began, all was (again) forgotten and the banquet, karaoke, cards, frisbee and boomerang throwing got under way.

Before leaving, we drove through the capital. Having missed so much sleep, I woke just in time to pass the Pentagon and the White House. We had a fleeting visit to the Smithsonian Institute and Washington Museum before returning horne, elated if exhausted.

I must thank the organising committee, all who helped to make our trip fabulous and our hosts at the College of William and Mary. Let us hope that next year someone will be reporting their success at the 1994 Physics Olympiad in China. Robin Morris selection where five individuals are chosen to represent the nation in the International Olympiad.

The 1993 Olympiad was held in Williamsburg, Virginia; rather a step up from last year's venue, Helsinki. The whole exercise lasted a week - a week of physics may not be most students' fantasy, even if it does mean a free trip to the U.S.A., but there were only two examinations and for the most part, work was forgotten.

The trip started badly - on landing in Washington D.C., four air masks were jolted out of the ceiling! After a three hour coach journey, however, we finally arrived exhausted at the College of William & Mary. We were the lucky ones; the Spanish team had set off at 4.30am and the Chinese even earlier - one team didn't arrive until 3 am, US time!

Various outing were arranged, the first being to 'Colonial Williamsburg', lohn D. Rockefeller's brainchild, which has made the area famous. It is a village preserved just as it was 300 years ago! Other excursions included outings to Water Country (huge by British standards), Busch Gardens (Alton Towers with good weather) and NASA.

As with all the trips we had to struggle with the heat, but even NASA was rather a disappointment. The base was entirely dedicated to aeronautics, thus we saw none of their space technology. The next day spent on the beach was one of the highlights. The beach was too hot to walk on, but we still enjoyed the sandcastle building and volleyball. The American Music Fest was quite an experience too, save the lack offemales - there were 206 men and 4 women, three ofwhom were Kuwaiti and did not even turn up (they were notorious for spending the day on the beach, fully c1othed, in 3TC !).

Although our attention had tended to drift from the academic pursuits for which we had come, the award ceremony was still a THE ABINGDONIAN 41

THREE MARATHONS FOR THE PRICE OF NONE TSB, generous multicoloured larva flow ofbobbing heads and torsos winding its sponsors of Schools way into the distance. Athletics, offeredfree pI aces in the 1993 The crowds are terrific - the route is lined all the way, often Nutrasweet London several deep. 00 they cheer so enthusiastically all the time or can Marathon to each they see a local hero or an ostrich somewhere behind me? The County Association. balloons at each mile post set the mathematical mind to work ­ Oxfordshire miles x sponsorship per mile = ?- but the calculations are nominated our Mr. interrupted by another drinks station. "Drink a little and often" is Baker, their long­ the advice, so we seize the proffered water bottles and take a few serving treasurer. sips, pouring the rest over our heads and necks, while our feet crunch the empties left by those who have gone before. Specific trammg having been curtailed So this is Canary Wharf? Yes it is impressive, but the wind is in by a haematoma, the wrong direction, the road is exposed and far from being flat. suspect knees and The thighs are complaining now; will they last? Those special general inertia, I'djust shock-absorbing heels of my new shoes are doing a superb job­ have to look on it as a no complaint at all from the ankles, calves or knees - just those scientific experiment stupid thighs. The stride is getting ridiculously short - time to - could a moderately apply the principle ofconservation ofangular momentum: swing fit sixty-year-old do a each elbow back really vigorously and the opposite knee will lift marathon "off the automatically. Must look daft, but it works! cuff" without the "Come on Oxfam, you can do it!" Why is it that all this vocal lengthy build up of support gives me a such a lump in the throat? Must be getting mileage which all the emotional in my old age. Dear me, overtaken by the squaddies up experts advocated? the Mall. Give me some new thighs and they wouldn't see me for I would be running for dust. Twenty six miles done - just 385 yards to go. Come on, put Oxfam and offered to in a good finish. "EI-bows; el-bows!". It's not a run, hardly ajog Roger Baker - London Marathon 1993 sew the name-tapes of - more of a vigorous shuffle, but at least 1'11 finish at reasonable sponsors onto my running vest - a chance for their name to appear speed. onTV! Boys, colleagues and friends responded most generously And then it was a stagger down the funnel of applauding and ensured that I would have the greatest possible incentive to Nutrasweeties to collect my medal- I'm told that Eamon Martin keep going. received an exact replica of mine some three hours earlier! Greenwich Park 9.30 am: The starting box for all those with Three marathons? Weil the first was with the needle and thread numbers in the thirty-four thousands is very nearthe back, so that emblazoning OXFAM on my running vest using all those name­ when the gun goes off there is a great cheer - but no movement. tapes. The second was the one that finished on Westminster Four minutes later we start to amble along. In another four we are Bridge, and the third was the one that took by far the longest ­ out of the gates of the park, passing the official start line, and collecting in the sponsorship money! actually jogging, hemmed in, shoulder to shoulder. Soon we no longer have fixed positions like moleeules in asolid; our For the record: neighbours change - we have some fluidity now (nice analogy, R.H.B.'s official time: 5:05:09 I think, but what about the latent heat?). The concave slope of His overall position: 21692 (age position 390) Greenwich Hili enables us to appreciate the sight of this Two people claim to have caught a glimpse of hirn on the Telly. Oxfam benefited by f613.24

Senior Management: Mr Tom Ayling, Dr Tim King and Road Relay: Adam laniseh, Riehard Seot!, Philip Baker. Mr Bob Osborn (The Bursar). photo: Mr Nigel Hunter 42 THE ABINGDONIAN

CCFWRITE UP

The CCF has had an active year with increased recruitment, an The Lent term also saw an air experience gliding day and exercise and several camps. In September :992 we took the Tuesday afternoon training sessions were taken up with HQ decision to have a change of standard uniform and to start cadets' exams and advanced proficiency training and tests, recruiting at the beginning of the third year, rather than towards command tasks, NCO training, shooting, weapons training, map the end ofthat year when many people were absent or busy with and compass work, abseiling, 'march and shoot' events and first exams. This has paid off as we saw our numbers rise from just aid. under forty to sixty five - one short of the maximum size we are officially allowed to enlist. We changed our recruiting strategy Our annual adventure training camp was held from 18-23 April to allow third years to come for four taster sessions, starting with at Ripon, N. Yorks. The camp catered for thirty cadets and the Biennial Inspection and the Open Day which followed two included canoeing, rock climbing, walking and camping. days later. After the Biennial Inspection we introduced "Standard Canoeing involved still water lessons, a rivertrip and some white Dress" which we use for the regular training sessions. This water experience including learning to roll. Rock climbing took consists ofBritish Army lightweight trousers, hi-Ieg boots, RAF place at Brimham Rocks and included varying climbs and berets, working shirts, and new CCF sweatshirts. abseils. There was a day walk with light packs, map and compass experience and an overnightcamp in two-man tents with cooking The Biennial inspection took piace on 15 October 1992 and from luxurious 24 hour GP ration packs. The camp was both involved a fly past by Puma helicopter, the inspecting party character-building and terrific fun (yeah - Ed.), with the variety arriving by Gazelle helicopter, a full parade with rifle drill and a of activities and opportunities for leadership. Everyone had a roundaboutofactivities including a camouflageandconcealment brilliant time. (No, but everyone did! - Ed.) exercise, shooting in the rifle range, commandtasks, an adventure training display, abseiling, first aid, and a demonstration lesson The start of the summer term saw a presentation by 60 Sqn. and on the Cadet GP Rifle. Cadets also flew in the two helicopters. everyone had a flight over Abingdon in one of their Wessex After lunch we hadavisit to RAF Benson, including airexperience, helicopters. This was a very enjoyable and interesting experience flying in Chipmunk aircraft, and a visit to 115 Sqn. Andovers and and a repeat opportunity will definitely be taken up readily. 60 Sqn. Wessex helicopters. Through a programme of varied and intense training, nearly all cadets who joined in September have passed their weapons and The Autumn term programme for the Tuesday afternoon training HQ recruits' tests and can now move onto advanced training as sessions included command tasks, patrolling, compass work, we look forward to new intake in September. NCO training and weapons training. Looking to the future, we shall be going to RAF Scampton in The Lent term saw the planning and running of an overnight Lincolnshire for RAF camp this summer and sending cadets on exercise on 13-14 February 1993. The exercise was entitled gliding courses and to Exercise Alpine Challenge in Bavaria. In Operation Revival, as it was the first overnight the CCF addition David Malcolm will be undertaking Flying Scholarship experienced for over a year. We ran the exercise on Piddington training with the RAF. We look forward to an increased intake Training area near Bicester and gratefully received the help and and the long awaited new Head Quarters building that we shall supervision of Sqn Ldr C.J. Biggs and Dr J.c. Horn, both of share with the Duke ofEdinburgh's Award scheme in an effort whom camped out overnight with us and helped set up the to combine resources, staff, equipment and activities. This will scenario and tasks for the participants. The exercise was fully commence with acampcrafttraining weekendon 18-19September tactical and over forty cadets attempted to rescue the "Advance to be run by experienced staff from DoE and CCF. Missile Guidance System" from a ruthless and chaotic enemy force. This involved putting into practice various skills, which My thanks to Mr Biggs and Mr Fishpool for all the time they had been practised in the previous term: platoon harbouring, devoted and all theireffort in providing the necessary supervision section patrolling, camouflage and concealment, ambushing, for the activities that the CCF has enjoyed throughout the year. walking on bearings, cooking from 24 hour ration packs, Cadet under Officer Bill Dutton (ex VIH) bivouacking, recce patrolling and first aid. THE ABINGDONIAN 43

YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME 1992/93 Early in the Michaelmas term 1992, alllower sixth formers were prepare a script. Meanwhile Richard Branson was approached, requested to attend a short meeting in The Amey Hall, which who recommended Timeless Studios as a possible recording served as an introduction to Young Enterprise. venue. It was decided that we would try to get a famous Oxford personality to narrate the script. Both Jeremy Irons and Sir Roger Y.E. is an educational charity trying to encourage the younger Bannister (Master of Pembroke College) were approached but generation to cultivate interest in the business world. As such it regrettably both were too busy at that time to be able to help, helps to establish student-managed companies under its guidance. although the former did offer to read the script at a later date. In this school, two companies emerged, namely 'Dreaming Since time was limited, we then invited our Headmaster, Mr Spires' and 'The Perfect Card Company'. While the latter had Michael St. John Parker, to assist us and he was only too pleased reasonable success, the former reached national level. This is the to be involved. success story of 'Dreaming Spires'. Before the launch of our product in January, retail outlets Dreaming Spires - A Young Enterprise Company. throughout Oxford were contacted to see if they would be interested in selling the tape. As a result, contracts were signed Set up in October 92, 'Dreaming Spires' enjoyed a successful with most major retail outlets, including WHSmith, Dillons, and prosperous few months' trading. Having been given a short Blackwells, The Ashmoleum Museum, The Oxford Story, talk on Young Enterprise at the start of the term, our company Pickwicks, Cluttons Estate Agents and many more. In school, we simply developed through a group of pupils with a common sent letters horne to parents to expand our market. Our tape was interest. A fifteen-man team emerged. We knew little about also sold at the Cowley Trade Fair which we attended in January, business and had never worked with each other before. In our as weil as at a stand in Lewis's in Oxford and even at the House first meeting, executives for the company were elected and I was of Parliament, to which we were invited in the summer term. appointed Deputy Personnel Director. Whilst twisting various MPs' arms to buy our tapes, we also enjoyed a personal guided tour (an area in which we are During the next few weeks, ideas were exchanged on what we considering expanding!). should produce. To avoid later mistakes, our Marketing Department researched all possibilities. Adam Gibbons, Deputy Extensive PR work was done to instigate interest. Interviews Managing Director, then suggestedthat we produce audio cassette were arranged with Fox FM and Radio Oxford and local tour guides ofOxford. We agreed on it because we believe it has newspapers such as The Oxford Times and Abingdon Herald potential. came to the school for photo sessions and published several articles. Our most impressive PR coverage was when The Daily Unfortunately, our Managing Director resigned at this stage Telegraph asked if they could do a photo session and full-page because he could not meet the commitment level required to lead article on our company, alongside two others. It was through the company. I was then promoted to Managing Director. these channels that our first export order was negotiated - 3000 These changes led to greater efficiency, and we identified our tour tapes to Poland, as part ofa leaming package to help Polish first priority, which was to secure financial backing. Shares were students studying English. sold and a small initialloan from the school Bursarwas negotiated. The success we enjoyed was shared with 'The Magdalen Bridge It was decided that the cassette should be mounted on a card so Appeal Fund'. We donatedfl50to them in hope that it would be that the tour route could be displayed. Around the border of the beneficial for the city and we also paid our shareholders a 50% map, we sold advertising space, generating revenue to cover our dividend on their investment as weil as making a profit of over high manufacturing cost. Advertisers ranged from Jamal's Tandoori Restaurant to Midland Bank, Unipart and Hartwells. flOOO upon liquidation.

The next step was to research into Oxford's history, in order to 44 THE ABINGDONIAN

Looking into the future, we believe 'Dreaming Spires' has great not overcome with nerves and presented ourselves weil, answering potential for expansion. A tour could be produced for other any questions, outlining any problems which we had encountered tourist centres in Great Britain and eventually the world! The and how we overcame them and explaining what we had learnt script has already been transcribed into French with the prospect within the scheme. The judges were impressed with our product of other languages to come. Already the company has been and the professionalism of the company when approaching the offered a sizable amount ofmoney to seil the idea but, with many public. avenues unexplored, no firm decisions have been made. The session lasted about two hours, which was mentally I believe we have all gained valuable experience from running exhausting, but later that afternoon came the interview with all the company. The board has become market orientated and five judges together. Here we were given the opportunity to performance driven. Co-operation and teamwork were the speak of our experiences in more depth, giving the judges time essential ingredient. I can see people in a different light now and to ask any nasty questions that they had! Fortunately there were I am more aware of my own strengths and weaknesses. We are few of these and the whole process seemed to go very weIl. By really satisfied from seeing our product on sale in the shops and this stage we knew that there was nothing more we could do - the our tour tape bought as a souvenir. judging was over and all that was left was to rehearse our speeches for a company presentation at the closing ceremony. Finally I would Iike to thank our two company advisors, lan Bowen-Morris and John Sparrow (from Unipart International) By the evening we were all extremely tired but were looking as weil as Miss Lynda Milligan, our link teacher, for all their help forward to meeting the rest ofthe company the next morning and and encouragement and our shareholders, for having faith in the hearing the final results. We had been assessed on our company company, the parents for actually buying the tapes and everybody report as weil as the extensive interviews - who was going to win? else who has contributed to the success of 'Dreaming Spires'. I That night a reception was held at the Astor Suite in The House would Iike to emphasise that all your support has been greatly of Commons, which was a great success, but the supper was appreciated by the whole management team. reminiscent of school food - a major disappointment, as we had hardly eaten all day. Nick Rees, Managing Director Tension was starting to build early the nextmorning. We enjoyed Tbe Young Enterprise Competition. meeting other companies from all over the country, but now it was time for the crunch! With the announcement ofthe winners After trading for a year, companies interested in entering the we were bitterly disappointed - for all our effort, we hadn't even competition were asked to submit an official company report. come third. The irony was that we had made more money than the The reports were evaluated and the best eight companies were top three companies put together and undoubtedly had a truly invited to attend the Oxfordshire Area finals. Both companies unique and original product and had learnt a tremendous amount from Abingdon School attended. about business and about ourselves. When we approached the Chairman ofthe judges asking what we could have improved he There each company had to put up a stand displaying their replied, "In all honesty - nothing." In the judges' eyes we were products and information about thecompany. Later, apresentation geographically disadvantagedbecause "itis easiertoraise capital was given by the finalists, explaining what the company had and run a business in the south of England because it is more learnt and achieved during the business year. In a strongly prosperous." He argued that we had not learnt as much as some contested final, 'Dreaming Spires' beat off impressive teams other companies because we did not encounter the problems from both Oxford High School and Abingdon School, in the form which they had. He also implied that, because we were from a of 'The Perfect Card Company', who came second and third private boys' school in the middle of Oxfordshire, we started respectively. 'Dreaming Spires' then submitted a revised report from a slightly higher platform than everyone else and so, whilst and hoped to be selected as one ofthe top eight Area final winners still reaching the top we had not achieved as much as the in the South and South West England region. Having been comprehensive schools which had reached similar heights. selected, 'Dreaming Spires' went on to represent Oxfordshire at the Regional Finals in Gloucester. A similar system ofjudging After the initial shock, although still disappointed, we realised was employed and this was perhaps 'Dreaming Spires" finest that we had beaten 28,000 otherpupils from over 2000 companies hour, as success was again securedunanimously. As South and nationwide by reaching the National Finals. What we had learnt South West England champions, 'Dreaming Spires' was invited through our experiences was most important and paradoxically to the National Finals. the Finals had taught us a lesson in themselves: don't expect life to be fair. Tbe National Finals. Since the Finals 'Dreaming Spires' has gone into liquidation, but On the seventh and eighth ofJuly 'Dreaming Spires' went up to not without various contingent benefits: a few people went to Logan Hall, the University of London, to compete in the Y.E. both the British Grand Prix and the Radley fireworks display, not National Finals. Expectations were high as the presentation team to mention being a focus in one ofUnipart's promotional videos of four set off from Didcot station early on the Wednesday or the fact that through contacts made during the business year, morning. It was going to be an eventful two days. company members securedjobs with bothWHSmith and Unipart. We all thoroughly recommend participation in the Young Having checked in at the Royal National Hotel, each Company Enterprise Scheme to anyone who is interested in business or set up astall displaying their product. Later, the three-woman wants to find out more about themselves. It is great fun and and two-man judging panel was shown around the stalls for thoroughly rewarding. marking. At a glance the competition looked tough, but we were THE ABINGDONIAN 45

MOCK TRIAL REPORT

- Friday 28th May 1993 of her own religious beliefs, had in fact been wholly dominated by an overbearing husband. Dramatis personae: Trial judge - His Honour Judge Patrick Medd The day before the trial, we still had to find two crucial witnesses. Counsel for the Prosecution - Mr. Nicholas Syfret Mr. Pope, famed for his musical talents, swapped Voltaire and Counsel for the Defence - Mr. Nigel Daly Vivaldi for stethoscope and scalpel. Enter Dr. David Pope MBBS. Our final expert witness was discovered at the eleventh Witness for the Prosecution : hour. With invaluable help from Sister Matthee, we contacted Mrs. Fishpool (victim) Mrs. Sue Richards, a parent and midwife, who agreed to come to Mr. Fishpool (the victim's husband) our aid as an expert witness for the Prosecution. Mr. Pope and Mrs. Sue Richards (expert) The stage had been set for a battle of wits and a conflict of Witness for the Defence : accusations between counsel and witnesses, certainly more akin Dr. Michael Ward (as the Accused) to 'Rumpole of the Bailey' than Dickens' decrepid Court of Miss Casey Chancery. While the Prosecution cast aspersions on the Mr. Stephen Janisch (expert) professional competence ofthe Accused, the Defence responded by portraying the principal Prosecution witnesses (played by Mr. The Jury: and Mrs. Fishpool) as domineering bully and downtrodden Mr. J. Clare (Foreman), Mrs. Clare, Mrs. Soper, Mr. Osborn, neurotic respectively. Meanwhile, the medical evidencecovered Mrs. Burrow, Mrs. Watson, Mrs. O'Neill, Duncan Masson, much ground: from the testimonies of Mr. Janisch and Mrs. Tim Ward, Richard Davies, Zool Verjee, Hugh Gittins. Richards, to 'Dr.' Pope's admission that he had injected his "Prisoner at the bar, you are charged with Assault Occasioning hapless patient with 400 [sic1ccs ofPethidine to relieve her pain Actual Bodily Harm, that on the 13th day ofMarch 1993 you did (was the wrong man in thedock ?!). Despite his lack ofspecialist perform a Caesarean section upon one Mrs. Anne Jones, in spite knowledge, Mr. Pope gave a convincing impression ofa harassed of her refusal of consent ... " junior doctor. Mr. Syfret's valedictory cast a dark shadow over the fate of the Accused: it looked as if a conviction was on the cards. Yet, Counsel for the Defence rose to the occasion. Echoing Marshall Hall's:- "Look at her, members of the jury: God never gave her a chance; won't you 1", Mr. Nigel Daly described his c1ient's dilemma: forced to make adecision about a mother and child, facing possible death, with ahostile and abusive husband opposing his moves. So, afterthe summing up from the trialjudge, thejury were conducted to the 'safe and secure place' where they were to attempt to reach a verdict.

They returned twenty minutes later. Foreman Clare stood up. "Have you reached a verdict upon which you are all agreed ?" "Yeeeeeesssz. We have." "00 you find the Accused guilty or not guilty of Assault Photo ofMock Trial Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm 1" Thus began Abingdon School's Inaugural Mock Trial. With His "Not guilty." Honour Judge Patrick Medd overseen by Her Majesty The The Defendant was discharged without a stain on his character. Queen (aged 27), bewigged counsel and a jury of twelve good citizens and true (with the exception, of course, ofthe notorious Report by: Benan Omar III and Stephen Turner serial-killer Mr. Clare!) sworn in, the Lower Library might weil Co-organisers of the Inaugural Mock Trial 1993 have been taken for Court No. 1 at the Old Bailey. Two months previously, the idea of a mock trial had been suggested. Fresh from matters epic and Herculean (for Volume 20 no. 1 of The Abingdonianjusthot offthe press), we responded to Mr. Milner's exhortation of"See what you can come up with ... ". Inspired by recent cases such as the Tony Bland ruling, we decided to give the trial a medical flavour. The story ran like this:

A doctor had performed a Caesarean section on a Christian Scientistdespite her alleged refusal. The case for the Prosecution Our esteemedformer editor: was simply that as the doctor did not have her permission to carry Benan Omar IIl, presently Commonwealth Scholar at outthe operation, he was guilty ofAssault. The Defencecountered Jesus College, Cambridge. this by arguing that the woman, far from refusing on the grounds photo: Rizal Razali 46 THE ABINGDONIAN

DEBATING SOCIETY REPORT

1992-93 was one non-stop frenzy of intelleetual sIam dunking the eynical Nigel Vereker; the pragmatie Tim Ward; the objective and oratorieal magnifieenee for the soeiety. This fine year saw lohn Asher; the hard-hitting Richard Davies and the superlative (in addition to our weekly debates) speaking eompetitions (both ZooI Verjee. These and other figures (Rizal Almashoor, Mark internal and external), dinner debates and tea debates with Thoinas, Fraulein Stoltz, Mr. Milner and Dr. Zawadzki) neighbouring girls' schools and the emergence ofsome fine new contributed to the magie of those memorable Friday debates. speakers to supplementthe eontinued success oftheold speakers. Two dinner debates and one tea debate were held with Wycombe Simon Cook and Stephen Turner were the chairmen until the Abbey, Headington and St. Helen's respectively. They were middle of Lent term, when Tim Ward and Richard Davies sueeessful due to the winning combination of a magnifieent succeeded them. Likewise, Ben Omar was suceeeded by lohn debate, excellent food and delightful eompany. Asher as Secretary. Looking back, this particular journalist has fond memories of a Included in our vast programme ofdebates throughout the annual year of emotion, excitement, enjoyment, entertainment and of session were motions such as 'This House Condemns The course, eloquence (Iarge grey animals with big ears?! I). Thanks School Prefects' (defeated); 'This House Would Abolish The must go to the committee and everyone who spoke both from the House OfLords' (defeated) and 'This House Believes Abingdon platform and the from the floor and espeeially to Dr. Z, to whose School Should Become Co-Educational' (passed). support and zest we all owe a great amount.

Throughout these faseinating discussions on moral and immoral, Thank you also to the resourees of the l.T. centre which enable grave and comic, domestic and global, a central care ofdedicated us to produce our notoriously witty posters, the Headmaster for and talented speakers was apparent: among them the remarkable aeting as our patron and God for inspiring so many minds. Ben Omar; the winsome Simon Cook; the smart Steve Turner; Zool Verjee (VI Z)

Dr Z, Nick Pritchard and Michael Maughan at Dalton Barracks

Robin Morris - Athletics James Brownlee at work

Jet!Drummond-Hay makes it to '50' The Headmaster delivers his speech THE ABINGDONIAN 47

Music and Drama

ORCHESTRALCONCERT 25th lune 1993

Having been to many school concerts before, I arrived at the particularly in the lower Orchestral Concert anticipating high quality music; I was not years (some who had disappointed. played for as little as a year), who were First Orchestra began and ended the concert, playing with great already at orchestral rigour and enthusiasm. They made a remarkable contrastbetween standard. the loud, charismatic pieces, such as 'March to the Scaffold' (from Symphonie Fantastique) by Berlioz, and the more serene, The concert but no less refined, bassoon and clarinetconcertos by Mozart and came to an Weber respectively. Thomas Harrison on the bassoon and end, to Dominic Franks on the clarinet played with style and panache, thunderous and proved to be great virtuoso players, despite their nerves. applause.

Chamber Orchestra serenaded the audience with the vibrant harrnonies of the 'Brandenburg Concerto no. 3' by Bach, and Warrnest then wooed them with a magical rendition of the 'kanon' by congratulations Pache1bel. Thus bringing the first halfto a close with the melodie must go to Mr Stinton, Mr Elliott, and ciarity that was to be sustained throughout the evening. also Mr Oxlade, without whom such a concert might After the interval came Second Orchestra, playing items both never have happened. well-known and not so well-known. Beginning with the famous Sadly it was the Upper Sixth formers' last school concert. They 'Hymn to Joy' from Beethoven's 9th Symphony, they went on to have all been dedicated to their ürchestras, and for that we must Faun~, play 'Sicilienne' by a piece sprinkled with interesting sincerely thank them. The mark they have left on music at harmonie phrases and magnificent flute and oboe passages. They Abingdon has been profound. Let us hope that, whilst they shall finished with a rousing 'Czech Rustic Dance' by Smetana. be sorely missed, the very high standards of musicianship which Encouragingly there were many novice instrumentalists, they have set continue for years to come.

Barry Young (3DJH)

Second Orchestra, Orchestral Concert photo: lvor Fields 48 THE ABINGDONIAN

THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT REVIEW The last night ofthe Abingdon School Grand Christmas Concert The second half began with three popular orchestra pieces. Mr was sadly marred by the death of Cyril Brooks, one of the Stinton's lively, uninhibited conducting and Henry Dorling's school's gardeners. It was characteristic cymbal playing in the Bizet Farandole of hirn to have come to this concert; he from "L'Arlesienne" Suite no 2did much had always supported the school in all to keep the orchestra together. There its events. It seemed irreverent and were a few mouse squeaks during the slightly wrong to move from the pauses but the stage was so crowded announcement of his death to the that the violinists' bowing must have cheerful, Iightweight numbers played been cramped. by the Brass Band - like the funeral and wedding at the beginning of Hamlet. It The First Wind Band were kept weil in must have been difficult for the hand by Mr Jones' controlled performers but the awkwardness in the conducting; Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh auditorium was soon dispelled by the Ride" was seasonally rich in endless toe-tapping rhythm of "Those sleighbells, and his "Christmas Festival" Magnificent Men in their Flying was a light mixture of familiar tunes Machines." taken at a brisk canter.

Handel's Concerto Grosso Op 6 no I in The high point ofthe evening was when G was a more serious and taxing the three 'stars' were gathered together proposition, and, under Mr Elliott's in the First Orchestra's performance of powerful conducting, the Chamber Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minar Op Orchestra brought out good sways and 16. Duncan Masson's piano solos were surges of tune. quite outstanding: his evident nervousness only endeared hirn to us. The First Year Choir - as slick in their He held hirnself well in reserve when entrance as in their singing - provided a Conductor - Mr Michael Stinton playing with the Orchestra and played selection ofsongs from "Joseph and his with confidence in the bravurapassages. Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in which William Pank's Even the most seasoned concert-goers in the audience were solo was beautifully sung and accompanied by Mr Oxlade, and impressed by his fine technique and reserves of power. the percussion (Ied by Matthew Hardy) in the three assorted carols was a pleasure to hear. Hamish MacCunn's "The Land ofthe Mountain and the Flood" was a little anti-climactic after this splendid joint performance, The first half ended with Tristan Gurney's violin solo, the in which orchestra, conductor, soloists and composer were so Praeludium and Allegro by Fritz Kreisler. He had a fine, sweet, weil married, and probably no objective critic could have praised strong note in the Praeludium reminding us ofhis effective solo the community singing with which the evening ended, but lead in the Handel Allegro, two items earlier. His brilliant everyone participating in it. performanceearned hirn long applause. And in the interval those resisting wine in the Art Block were regaled with "Christmas I. Raine (3RSKM) Crackers" by the Brass Quintet.

Mr Michael Stinton conducts the Chamber Orchestra THE ABINGDONIAN 49

ABINGDON SCHOOL SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT NO. 4 This 4th Subscription Concert certainly provided us with something to remember - rarely have such high standards of playing been heard in the Amey Hall. Mariette Richter is a most accomplished violinist - not only does she lead many Oxfordshire ensembles, but she also teaches violin and viola here at Abingdon. She was accompanied by Simon Weale, who also teaches at Abingdon but has appeared in many prestigious events as weil. The concert began with Bartok's First Rhapsody, in two movements - 'Lassu' and 'Friss'. It was a fairly recent work and ABINGDON most enjoyable, and the two played the difficult but interesting harmony with sheer brilliance - both made tricky parts sound SCHOOL very easy. This, like all the other pieces, was a duo and not an SUBSCRIPTION accompaniment. Every aspect ofMiss Richter' splay was superb, and she was matched by the wonderful performaning of Simon CONCERTS Weale. After loud applause for their first piece, the concert continued with Ravel's Violin Sonate, dating from 1927. It had three fine 34thSEASON movements: Allegretto, Blues and Perpetuum mobile; which provided a varied contrast in style and expression. Once again, 1992-1993 we were treated to an excellent display of violin and piano playing - both performers used their outstanding expertise to Clarino - The "Glorious Baroque" bring out the different moods of the composer effectively. trumpet, oboes and strings Colin Stone - Piano Recital After the interval, the audience were treated to the RichterlWeale Bach (Busoni), Beethoven, Chopin rendition ofFrates by Arvo Pärt. It was a slow, interesting piece, Jennifer Stinton!Lucy WalCeford described in the programme as a 'secret and unknowable' work. Flute and Harp It'sdrawn-outmelody was performedbeautifully by both soloists. Mariette Rich~er/Sirnon Weale Violin and Piano The final item was, in my opinion, the best of the evening - a Brahms Sonata in D minor with four fiendishly difficult AMEYHALL movements. However, they were played with such skill and ABINGOON SCHOOL cleverness by both Miss Richter and Mr. Weale that they were made to sound, in part, quite easy. The harmonies were very Since the Abingdon Subscription Concer! Society have suspended their activity tor the season 1992-1993, Abingdon School is, itself, promoting raising and enjoyable, and it provided a fitting end to an these concerts. outstanding concen. Many thanks must go to everyone involved, particularly the two performers, and we look forward to next season's concerts, hoping that they can match the high standard set by this one. Patrick WeHs

OLDTIME MUSIC HALL Amey Hall 12th February 1993

At the Music Hall - Barber Shop Quartet Chris Upham, James Manship, Adam Jenkins, Hugh Morris 50 THE ABINGDONIAN SCHOOL BAND CONCERT Musical Director: Derek Jones Amey Hall 7.30 14th May 1993 In he strode, ramrod straight, bold as brass, to conduct his last school band concert, after eighteen and a half years teaching at Abingdon.

Trumpet Section, Leader: Rob Finch photo: Owen Tarran From his first assault on the drums, lan Cotterill established hirnself as the dominant personality. How the kit stood up to the battering remains a mystery, but the crisp beat and complex rhythms provided the background for the wailing saxophones, bright trumpets and trombones, twanging guitars and tinkling piano to weave the main melodies of what was a memorable programme.

After the interval, and suitably refreshed, we were entertained by Derek iones, Band-Master extraordinary photo: Owen Tarran the First Wind Band. They lacked the raw energy of the Big Band, but provided a mellow programme ofwhich the highlight After a quiet joke with the Brass Band and a word with the was 'The Happy Hippo,, with Kester McMorris playing the solo audience, Derek launched the Band into a bold, rhythmic march part with obvious relish. Derek explained that he had hoped to followed in turn by a swing selection, a lovely, tuneful fugue, and finish with the 1812 Overture, but time had not allowed hirn to lastly Swinging Safari which had everyone swaying in their make the necessary pyrotechnic arrangements! 'Thundercast' by seats. Osterling had to suffice.

The Second Wind Band then took over and performed a March There must have been at least 50 musicians involved in this by Gluck, followed by the 'evergreen' lost chord, in which Tom concert, all of whom owe a great deal to Derek Iones. His sense Hewes and Andrew Pavlosky performed their solos splendidly. of humour, out and out professionalism, and kindness, have The final piece, 'Chariots ofFire' was clearly a favourite with the helped to bring out the best in even the most timid performer. The Band, as they played with verve and obvious enjoyment. range and depth of music at Abingdon has grown significantly over the years, and Derek can be proud ofthe part he has played There then followed what for me was the highlight of the in that development. evening, the Big Band. By stepping down from the conductor's rostrum, and allowing the performers to guide themselves, Derek David Crawford demonstrated not only his confidence in them, but also his skill Headmaster, Cokethorpe School. in training them to such a level of confidence. LOWER SCHOOL GALA CONCERT The Lower School Gala Concert held on the last evening of the many able soloists. The standard of the composition was very SummerTerm was a resounding success. Iteven had an element high. The Headmaster presented Ben Griffiths and Neil Gray of drama when a stage light exploded: the soloist, a small boy with the Shield for the best composition and certainly theirs with a large bassoon, brilliantly carried on unperturbed while the sounded the most original. Mr. Michael St. lohn Parker also casualties manfully bore up, holding their wounds, until he had thanked all the music staff for their hard work and enthusiasm finished. which was warmly re-iterated by the audience.

It is so encouraging to see so many young boys involved in music Theevening was roundedoffby aspiritedreprise ofthe "Abingdon on a wide variety ofinstruments. We were admirably entertained School Song" (did you realise there was one?) sung by the boys, by Junior Strings, Junior Windband, astring trio, a Barber shop staff and the audience. quartet, a clarinet trio and the Lower School Choir, along with Mrs. Pearson THE ABINGDONIAN 51

ABINGDON ORCHESTRAS AT THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL July 6th is one ofthose days that stick in the memory. Forthis was the day, the cafe atmosphere a more appropriate setting to a the day that we went to see Abingdon represented for the first chamber orchestra. It was interesting to observe how many time in the prestigious National Festival of Music for Youth at people came to listen around the group, at floor and balcony the Royal Festival Hall, London. level, and we heard music making which was even more relaxed and enjoyable than we had heard in the Hall. The sheer pleasure 'Music for Youth' aims to ensure that all children in the UK have shown by the boys was infectious and they won spontaneous, the opportunity to make music together wherever they live. This prolonged applause. unique Festival involves some 35,000 young musicians aged 4 to 21, who perform during a week of the world' s biggest and best events for the young musicians oftomorrow. Being the first time that Abingdon had applied to take part in the Festival, to succeed with two orchestras is a major triumph for the dedicated music staff and musicians.

Early in the morning, two large coaches complete with mobile phones waited at school, to be packed with instruments, precious luncheon bags, Abingdon School'sFirst and ChamberOrchestras and arepresentative sampie ofthe Music department's unofficial Fan Club.

Unfortunately we arrived a little late, but thanks to the mobile phones this did not matter to the festival or our musicians. Blessed with the sun, the coaches rapidly disgorged us all and in minutes the boys re-appeared on-stage, eager and disciplined and Tristan Gurney and Duncan Masson photo: !vor Fields ready to play. Their spotless (yes, really!) shirts showed faintly Afterlunch the FirstOrchestraopened the aftemoon' sprogramme pink under the huge Hall's lights. They were weIl rehearsed and with Walton's Crown Imperial March and Mussorgsky's Night confident enough to smile at each other and Michael Stinton, on a Bare Mountain. They looked impressive, tinted shirts, their conductor - and they played Bach's Brandenburg Concerto rainbow colours reflecting offpolished instruments, matched by No. 3 and Pachelbel's Canon. the smiles between themselves and theirconductor. They produced a performance appreciated by all; adjudicators remarking on a wonderful, spirited opening with the Mussorgsky, and their challenging choice of repertoire. The Crown Imperial March needed a little more watching and listening to each other to keep tight, but first time performance in the huge Hall was always difficult for a group of musicians. Their overall performance, they were told, was a tremendous credit to their music staff in particular and their School should be tremendously proud of them. What more needed saying?

Other orchestras followed, one of ninety players - all were enjoyable, fun, exhilarating. But forthe Fan Club, we were proud Royal Festival Hall Foyer: Chamber Orchestra ofourorchestras and weil satisfied with a good day's work which Assessing the Chamber Music section, the adjudicators drew has set Abingdon firmly in another arena of excellence. attention to the energy and commitment of pupils, staff and parents to the courage it takes for a musician to reveal himselfand Sometimes one senses that musicians are undervalued, their what he believes in, on stage, through his music. Audiences achievements not being as obvious, perhaps, as the achievements respond initially with their emotions, and the adjudicators of'academia' orthe sports world. We have seen the commitment, reminded us that in live performance, the audience both sees and eagerness and confidence which results from many, many hears a performance - hence the importance of behaviour, disciplined and lonely hours of practice inspired by caring, actively listening and watching each other. Abingdon' s Bach challenging teachers. To bring this together into orchestral was greeted as a vital piece of playing, especially the last playing, to retain the commitment oftime, energy and practice of movement which they thought 'excellent'; the orchestra's perhaps 60 or more young men, to weid them into a supporting interpretation and especially the balance with the harpsichord, network, a real team, is no mean feal. We had seen that day one drew admiration. "There was a very good dynamic and a good of the results ofsuch work, the product of the School's flagship, structural comprehension". The Pachelbel performance drew a perhaps the School's most important promotional assel. We compliment for the conductorhimself, (the only such compliment hope boys, masters, and the whole School appreciate what was we heard all day) who obviously held the respect and affection and continues to be, achieved in the Amey Hall for Abingdon ofhis orchestra. The adjudicators verdict was "afine performance School, and hope we may be allowed to continue to support you from a single school". all. Very, very weil done! Mrs. V.E. Masson Abingdon Chamber Orchestra had been selected to play during the lunch break in the foyer; this proved one ofthe highlights of 52 THE ABINGDONIAN

REVIEW OF 'BLACK COMEDY'

Peter Shaffer's one-act play "Black Comedy" was performed by in his part. He managedto achieve this admirably, whilstdirecting pupils from the school and from St. Helen's. The play was the other actors. directed by actor-director Alex Webster. On the whole, the acting was ofa high standard, although there were weak sections It could have been said that Su Ashworth was far more suited to in some of the performances. serious roles than comic plays. She simply did not make enough ofherfarcical character and one was left with the impression that Michael Fowkes played the central role ofthe production, that of she had something else on her mind during the performance (the a poor artist. He was expecting the father of his betrothed (a other actors? - Ed.). millionaire played by Ben Stephens) to buy some of his work. The evening started out to be a total shambles, as five minutes Judging by the volume of applause and laughter, Ian Cotterill into the play the light fuse blows. What follows is a complex and was the funniest and most convincing actor. His voice, character hilarious farce full of mistaken identity and humour. Michael and movement all blended magnificently to give a truly side­ spoke clearly and precisely but his movements were not so good. splitting performance! He did, however, manage to carry off a controlled fall down the In conclusion it seems a shame to crib at Alex's strong and bedroom steps later on in the production. interesting direction but insufficient attention was paid to the Similarly Alex's personal mannerisms were evident on stage. synchronisation of the actors and the lighting. The play starts in Although the play requires Harold Gorringe to have hair falling total darkness and it is only when the fuse blows that the lights down all over his face, it was irritating to see Alex constantly come on. The actors sometimes forgot that they were supposed brushing it back in his normal everyday manner. The rest of his to be in the dark. A distraction in an otherwise sound and acting, however, was excellent and amusing, varied in both tone enjoyable production. and pace. Alex gave the impression ofappearing totally absorbed P.B. Rendei (VI RCRM) VERDI REQUIEM FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

The fifth Grimsby Intemational Singers Competition had a record level ofapplicants - 140 singers from 20 countries - but a large proportion of the prizes went to British artists. The bass section was won by Roderick Williams (26, England), the soprano by Jenny Saunders (23, England), the tenor by James Oxley (26, England) and the mezzo-sopranoby Katerina Karneus (26, Sweden). Special prizes went to mezzo-soprano Ding Ping (26, China) and Christina Wilson (24, Australia), the operatic prize to Jiang Ming (30, China) and the accompanist's prize to Annette Saunders (24, England).

Congratulations to all members of the chorus and orchestra, especially to the soloists, who, guided by Mr. Stinton, gave a most convincing, exciting and truly memorable performance of Verdi's masterpiece on 28 November 1992.

It was weil rehearsed and the attention paid to detail by all performers was immaculate, providing a sharp contrast between the ferocity and vigour of the "Dies irae" and the calm serenity of the "Lux aetema". The "Sanctus" too, a complex piece that splits the voices in half, was carried offconfidently by the chorus - a considerable triumph, as the quick imitative entries between all eight parts can cause havoc if even one part is out of time!

The combination of the adults' Choral Society, the Chamber Choir ofOur Lady's Convent and own Choral Society was most impressive and it is hoped that such a combination can be achieved again in the near future.

Finally, on the horne front, congratulations must go to both Mr. Eliot and Mr. Oxlade, who jointly trained the Choral Society throughout the term. Their hard work was rewarded by a highly acclaimed performance of this ambitious piece. B.R. Young (3DJH) farnes Oxley photo: Gerald Place 1993 THE ABINGDONIAN 53

,AGAMEMNON'

Agamemnon, the greatest ofall Greek tragedies, written by Aeschylus in 458 B.C. as the first play in his Oresteia trilogy, came to the Amey Hall for one night - Thursday 4th March. Itwas performedby the Shoestring Company - consisting of only five members - who specia!ise in, among other things, modern adaptations of classical plays from Ancient Greece.

The story of 'Agamemnon' is relatively uncomplicated. It begins in Mycenae where, courtesy of some astronomical quirk, it is discovered that the ten-year Trojan war is finally over and that the Greeks, led by Agamemnon, are victorious. Thecitizens are jubilant; however, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's wife, reacts in a more sinister fashion. Later, a herald arrives, having been sent in advance of the returning Greek fleet and announces the imminentreturn ofAgamemnon, King ofMycenae. The citizens are once againjubilant. On hearing about the Greek losses and the atrocities of war, their joy soon turns to misery. The herald tries his utmost to urge them to look on the bright side but manages only to convince half of the people. Finally Agamemnon does arrive horne, resplendent in chariot and fine garb, accompanied by a rather pretty, young, dark-haired piece ofluggage. Clytemnestra welcomes hirn with due ceremony and beseeches hirn to tread the few steps into his palace upon a red carpet, which, she argues, befits a victorious king. Reluctantly, Agamemnon does so, entering the palace, never to leave. Next, Clytemnestra approaches her husband's dubious luggage which Theproduction was interesting and, at times, innovative. However, is Cassandra, daughter of Priam, King of Troy. Agamemnon, its complete success is questionable. While I applaud the having seized her as booty, has brought her horne to serve as a company's efforts considering its size (five people) and the slave-girl. Clytemnestra asks Cassandra to enter the palace, but difficulty of effectively conveying a play of this genre to a with no success. Clytemnestrathenreturns to the palace declaring modern audience, I must question its overall accomplishment. . that she will not waste hertime. A most extraordinary scene takes Thechorus scenes, for example, which are a feature ofthe utmost place next -Cassandragoes into a frenzied lamentation - whining importance in the formula of ancient Greek drama, did not and screaming about her unhappy fate. But soon a more dramatic achieve the effectiveness which they should have done (though eventtakes piace - a terrible cry is heard, the citizens rush into the this was very largely to do with the tiny company). The singing palace and find that Agamemnon has been murdered. was of mixed value - sometimes effective, at other times not so. Clytemnestra, the murderess, explains her motives: the torture of Anotherfactor whichcreptin (most noticeably during Cassandra's worrying about her husband's fate for the last ten years, the frenzy) was the unintentional comedy - surely a most undesirable torment of remaining chaste for so long and the !ittle affair trait in a Greek Tragedy. I was especially amused by the 'special involving Agamemnon's obligatory sacrifice of their daughter, effects' of Agamemnon's murder - Clytemnestra wore a pair of Iphigenia, ten years ago were just too much far her to bear. At last, red washing-up gloves! Aegisthus, Clytemnestra's lover, arrives on the scene, declares his Nevertheless, on the whole, these flaws did not completely mar approval of Agamemnon's murder, beats up a citizen and enters the production. In many ways, I quite enjoyed it. the palace with Clytemnestra. An ominous future lies ahead. Z. Verjee (6WHZ)

'OLIVER' 26127128th June 1993. Photos: Robert Strawson 54 THE ABINGDONIAN

'THE ALCHEMIST'

On Monday 29th September 1992, two minibuses, piloted by pounded with breathless expectation. The result was tremendous. Messrs. Mearns and Macdonald, filled with lower and upper Had Jonson hirnself been there, he would have died of ecstatic sixth 'A'-level students, were weighed down with boundless passion and been mighty impressed too. Here was a symbol of enthusiasm and anticipation. success. A combination ofterrific acting on the part ofthe RSC, huge amounts of hilarity, extremely effective costumes but, The venue was to be the inspiring Barbican - a first for many of nonetheless true faithfulness to the written play, united with the uso After an hour of high-speed cruising followed by a further magnificent Barbicanesque atmosphere, resulted in a truly half hour ofsnail-paced crawling, we arrived in good time at the sensational culmination. place of entertainment, culture and sophistication. For days afterwards, nothing was real. At eight o'c1ock, lights dimmed, voices hushed and hearts z. Verjee (6WHZ)

Philip Aiken C. J987 - 'Time Flies' 'TWELFTH NIGHT'

'Twelfth Night', according to Mr. Taylor's programme, "is an The best must come last, though. Never has there been as funny ever-surprising mixture of subtlety and coarseness, of social a Malvolio as Kester McMorris, whose rantings, ravings and graces and vulgarity, of high comedy and low farce." The cross-garterings were justly laughed at by the audience. Not comment is absolutely true, and in the hands of the combined being a subtle actor hirnself, Kester was Malvolio as he was dramatic forces of Abingdon and St. Helen's the contrasts were meant to be played. Finally, there must be an appreciation of even more stark. The audience, I am told, found almost too much Rizal "Kenneth Branagh" Almashoor, an instant favourite with to enjoy, whether it was in the drunken revelry of Sir Toby and the audience and a great "Officer in the service of the Duke." Sir Andrew, the fooling ofMalvolio, orthe reuniting ofViola and Sebastian. Individually, then, the actors and actresses were a motley bunch. Put them together and you have a full evening's family The cast had its fair share of stars but at no stage was the play entertainment. anything buta team effort. Tom Gresford and William Hall as the two drunken knights were a dynamic duo and certainly caused a Nothing could have come of it, however, without the hordes of great deal of laughter. Daniel Hammersley has a remarkable dedicated people backstage and belowstage. The stage crew, led voice and was an excellent Feste, bravely wearing a red dress by Simon Drew, excelled themselves, as did the Iighting crew each night without c1aiming danger money! Countess Olivia, headed by Jeremy Hart and Ben Taylor. The impression of a played by Wendy Knox, was suitably disparaging of the Duke, Taylor family production is reinforced by the presence of Mrs. and her maid Louisa Gray was a fitting wife for Sir Toby. Taylor as our costumer!

An unintentional source of merriment was the transatlantic Mr. Biggs' set design and backdrop were widely praised. Just as portrayal of Sebastian. "Why has he got an American accent?" important was the Musical Director, Composer, Arranger and one child was heard to remark, but Matthew Woodward battled harpsichord-player, Mr. Oxlade. Backed up by some skiBed on weIl. His long-Iost sister Viola, Georgina Datnow, looked Abingdonian musicians, he was able to make the scenes flow nothing like hirn but under the skilful direction of the make-up beautifuBy. "If music be the food of love..." team she was transformed. Fabian and Antonio, in the guise of All that remains, is to congratulate Mr. Taylor on his direction Rob Walker and Philip Allan, were also good, as were the host and production. I know that aB of the cast enjoyed it greatly; I of other characters I cannot mention for reasons of space. hope that the same was true of our gallant audience. T. Ward (6GGB) THE ABINGDONIAN 55

Sports

1993 CRICKET REPORT The Ist XI have enjoyed one of their most 1st XI Cricket Results successful seasons. They have remained Magdalen College Schoo! won by 128 runs undefeated throughout the term (a major Oratory Schoo! won by 8 wickets achievement in itselt) but to also win 14 of their Radley College match drawn 21 matches is a tremendous testimony to their all Reading won by 8 wickets round talent and effort. They have displayed high Rerks. Gentlemen won by 8 wickets Lord Williams, Thame won by 8 wickets team spirit and have always approached the games SI. Edwards match drawn in a positive manner. Their hunger for victory Pangbourne match drawn motivated them to push for the best. Old Abingdonians match drawn M.C.C. match drawn The success is down to a real team effort with V.C.S. won by 74 runs everyone playing their part to the full. The batting R.G.S. High Wycombe won by 8 wickets has been solid with no fewer than 6 players Sedbergh Festival scoring half centuries and 2 scoring centuries. Merchiston Castle won by 36 runs The leading run scorers were captain Adam Sedbergh won by 6 wickets Unfortunately, the 3rd Xl's season was rather Janisch, Tom Pollard, Andrew Harding, Nick Oratory won by 6 wickets curtailed for one reason or another. They only Watts, Guy Horton and Ben Fuggles. Hami!ton High School (Aust) malch drawn played 3 games (I win and 2 defeats). However, South Oxon Amateurs won by 7 wickels there were some encouraging performances The bowling, however, was the main reason for notably from Edward Cooper, Michael Pajak and winning so many matches. Having the ability to They were also victories in the Oxfordshire Barnaby Ulyatt. bowl sides out even on an aftemoon match is UI7 cup against Henry Box, Witney, Burford simply super. The honour here must go to Ben School and Cherwell School. The Juniors Colts returned an evenly balanced Gannon who has proven that he is a genuine strike record with 4 wins, 4 defeats and 2 draws whilst bowler; the fastest and most accurate on the Final Record: the 'B' XI performed very creditably in their four school cricket arena this year. His tally of 46 Played 21 Won 14 Orawn 7 Lost 0 games. The leading performers were Steven Watts wickets at 10 each from more than 250 overs (22 wickets at 10 each) and Henry Whalen (196 justifies the statement. Assisted by Ben Fuggles Leading Averages runs at 32) but there is plenty ofdepth in this year (19 wickets), Luke List (31 wickets) and Guy group wh ich is very promising for the future. Batting: Horton (23 wickets) this made it a memorable L. List 608 runs Average 55.27 The Juniors had a somewhat disappointing season year. A. Janisch 626 runs Average 41.71 after showing plenty of early season promise, The fielding was not the strongest part of the T. Pollard 437 runs Average 31.21 finishing with 4 wins, 6 defeats, I tie and I draw. A. Harding 299 runs Average 27.18 team's game but they worked hard at it and held The leading performers were James Horton with onto some important and difficult catches. Special Bowling: 4 half centuries and James Howe-Davies who mention here must go to Guy Horton who was B. Gannon 46 wickels Average 10.37 scored 157 not out at M.C.S., but too often they L. List 31 wickets Average 11.68 outstanding throughout the season and for is were let down by poor fielding. Hopefully, they G. Horton 23 wickets Average 14.39 spectacular catch on the Sedbergh Tour; a legend will have learnt a lot from this year because talent in the making. is nothing without the ambition to succeed. A rather young and inexperienced 2nd XI also Full colours: Adam Janisch, Andrew Harding, enjoyed a fairly successful season by winning 5 The Minors had a very successful season, finishing Ben Gannon, Ben Fuggles, Luke List, Guy out oftheir 9 matches. They lostto Radley and St. with 10 wins, I draw and 2 defeats whilst the final Horton, Tom Pollard, Nick Watts, Rob Finch Edwards. The outstanding performers were Dave of the Under 13 cup remains to be played next and Rowan Browne. Allison on his guest appearance at Pangbourne April! The side still has a great deal to learn but displayed immense enthusiasm for the game. Half Colours: David Allison, Steve Ruhl, (80 and 8 for 13), captain Steve Ruhl (247 runs at Providing they are prepared to listen and learn, David Melin and Gary Stow. 49.4), Dave Melin (26 wickets at 10.6 each) and Gary Stow (14 wickets at 9 each). they should develop weil. The outstanding performers both with the bat and ball were Tom Allen, Tom Greenland, Richard Ellis and Edward Wagner. The Under 12sdid notdo very weil, looking atthe results. They are still at the learning stage and often found themselves up against much more experienced opponents. They made encouraging progress, however, and there is plenty of talent evident amongst them, particularly in the spin bowling department. Special mention must be given to Paul Edwards for his 106 not out against Priors Court, which is the first century in the Lower School for years. A.M. Broadbent

1st Xl '93 L to R: Ben Peacock, Ben Fuggles, Andrew Harding, Ben Gammon, Tom Pollard, David Allison, Guy Horton, Dominic Partridge, AMB Front: Rowan Rowne, Roh Finch, Adam Janisch, Luke List, Nick Watts 56 THE ABINGDONIAN

1st XI CRICKET REPORT J. COLTS CRICKET XI Anyone who had been present at the indoor net List scoring a raid century, before travelling up to 'A' TEAM' REPORT 1993 sessions now routinely held during the Lent term Sedbergh to playa three day festival. We won all Played Won Drew Lost in the sports hall for all prospective I st XI cricketers three games on very soft wet grounds, and this 10 4 2 4 would have seen plenty of attacking but was acreditto the strength in depth and adaptability The opening fixture, against Magdalen, gave us inconsistent batting, and some fiery but often ofthe team. After two more draw's back horne we exactly the start that we wanted. Having won wayward bowling. There was clearly some talent soundly beat the S.O.A.s to end a superb unbeaten the toss, and opting to bat to gain practice, we in the squad, but whether it would be transformed season. fell from 70-2 to 116 all out. Iain Gray gave us into a successful team was another matter. Ourtop order batsmen all made runs and whatever the perfect start in the field by producing a The summerthat followed, however, quickly laid the surface was like it was always someone's day. wicket in the third over. Our other opening all doubts to rest for this was one of the most The leading run-scorers were Adam Janisch (626 bowler took two wickets. After that we never successful season for decades. The team was runs, five 50s) and Luke List (608 runs, two 50s, looked like losing and eventually won by 42 unbeaten, winning a superb 14 out of 21 games. one hundred) with Tom Pollard, Andy Harding runs. This remarkable record was due to the good and Nick Watts all contributing large amounts. We then lost two games in a row - by 6 wickets to spirited attacking style of cricket played by a Guy Horton and Ben Fuggles also made very Oratory and by 5 wickets to Radley. After hitting young side (all exceptone ofthe regular first team useful half-centuries. a reasonable score on a small pitch at Oratory the wereeligible forthe V 17 county cupcompetition). Our bowling, however, was the key to our game was fairly even until one of their batsmen Webegan the season very strongly indeed, bowling outstanding season, backed up by good feeling took apart our bowling attack. out the first 7 teams we played. This ability to and some breathtaking catches from the likes of bowl out other sides proved to be a crucial feature Andy Harding, Guy Horton and Rob Finch behind of our cricket and was the main reason that we the stumps. Ben Gannon led the attack with won two thirds of our games. We beat M.C.S. considerable pace, accuracy and at times convincingly in our first game, Tom Pollard unplayable movement. In taking his huge haul of scoring an excellent century off only 124 balls, 46 wickets hedemolished several teams including and Luke List taking 6 for 22 to secure a win by Radley and a distinguished O.A. li ne up. He ably 128 runs. Againstthe Oratory, ouropening bowlers provided different variations of pace and demolished their top order to enable us to win by movement, supplemented by Rowan Browne and 8 wickets and we easily won the first of our V 17 Andy Harding, who both took important wickets cup games. with leg-spin. Dave Melin and Gary Stow are both excellent attacking prospects for coming Then came the Radley fixture, always a tough seasons. test. Ben Gannon took 5 for 32 which, backed up by sharp fielding and excellent catches from Rob All in all , the team had no real weaknesses, put in Finch and Rowan Browne, restricted Radley to a lot of hard effort during the summer and fully 153 all out. Our batting, however, underwent a deserved all the success it achieved. Everyone rare collapse, only Andy Harding keeping the contributed to what must be one of the finest side together with the first of two vital fifties, to cricket seasons ever recorded by an Abingdon draw the game. School Ist XI. The Radley match was disappointing. Too many of our players arrived in awe of the size of Finally I would like to thank Mr. Broadbent for all We won our next four games, including a 181 run Radley's pitches and expecting to be hammered. thrashing of Reading, yet could only draw at St. the time and effort he put into coaching and This was the reason for our score of 85 all out. Edwards, which was the beginning of a barren organising the team and Mrs. Harding for the teas Paul Woodward's 25 stands out; Steve Watts patch. so enjoyed by all. produced 4-40, but was unable to prevent defeat. Adam Janisch We beat V.C.S. andR.G.S. High Wycombe, Luke Against Oxford School we held them to 106, but, due to an early collapse, only managed a draw. Reading was a simple victory with our bowlers J. Colts A Team Statistics bashing them out for 73. Despite losing an early Batsman wicket we easily scored the 74 needed for victory. Innings Not Out Runs HS A Catches/Stumpings Byes Against Thame we bowled weil - Steve (4-19) Whalen 9 3 196 45' 37.67 2 and Iain (6-7) bowled Thame out for 26 in 17 Woodward 10 0 189 51 18.90 3/7 22 overs in 59 minutes - they were aided by good S. Watts 7 2 147 63* 28.60 2 fielding as weil, and we easily scored the 27 D. Watts 9 I 96 38 12.00 0 Morris 6 I 40 24* 8.00 0 required for victory. Clements 4 2 20 16* 10.00 I St. Edward's are a strong team and gave us two Oldham 3 I 20 12 10.00 I hard hours in the field. After a good opening stand Jenkins 7 I 18 13 3.00 0 Gray 6 2 17 6 4.25 4 between Paul Woodward and Dave Watts the side Hall 6 0 11 7 1.83 4 yet again collapsed. Against Shiplake after some Gooch 4 I 7 6* 2.33 I impressive batting with the order being changed Moss 5 0 7 3 lAD 2 we declared just after tea at 159 for 5. After some Jones 2 0 6 3 3.00 0 good bowling, again by Iain Gray, the match went Prior 3 2 5 5* 5.00 I to a tight close with a win for Abingdon. Simmons 2 0 0 0 0.00 I Higginbottom 1 0 0 0 0.00 0 Against Pangbourne injury and absentees meant that we lost heavily. The last match against High Bowling Wycombe was a bare draw. High Wycombe batted Overs Mdns Runs Wickets Average E. rate Strike rate BB 5 wicket first and left us to score 158 in 80 minutes which S. Watts 19.91 7043 I 78.2 10 282 23 12.26 3.60 was a disappointing end to the season. S. Watts Gray 8304 16 197 20 9.85 2.35 25.10 6-7 2 D. Watts 41 5 168 9 18.67 4.10 27.33 3.44 0 and H. Whalen were selected for the county for elements 29 3 166 7 23.71 5.72 24.86 2-6 0 consistent bowling and batting, respectively. Whalen 4.53 0 17.2 I 79 4 19.75 4.56 26.00 My final word goes to Mr. Drummond-Hay and Jenkins 6.2 I 16 2 8.00 2.53 19.00 2-15 0 Prior 2504 3 76 2 38.00 2.96 77.00 1-6 0 Mr. Henderson who coached the sides with great Gooch I 0 7 1 7.00 7.00 6.00 1-7 0 humour and enthusiasm all year. All the players THE ABINGDONIAN 57

are very grateful to Mr. Henderson and Mr. JUNIORS CRICKET 1993 Drummond-Hay for their efforts. Played 12 Won 4 Losl 6 Drew I Tied he made no significant score, Andrew Smith Results displayed a good defensive technique on wh ich to Won by 42 v Magdalen Ab 116 all OUI For a side that appeared to have a lot of potential, build. Some accuratemedium pacers were runs - Woodward 40, this was a disappointing season. It started weil purveyed by Alistair Mays and Patrick Wells Whalen 37 with a moral victory over old rivals MCS but the Mag 74 oll out - Watts 7-43, picked up useful wickets with his offspin. Greg side's ability to snatch defeat out of the jaws of Gray 2-12 Taylor worked hard to improve his keeping, Lost by 6 v Oratory Ab 151 for 8 dec victory was often in evidence in subsequent claiming quite a few victims. Andrew Ashurst, wickets - D. Watts 23, matches. There was certainly no lack ofexcitement the B team captain, showed he could develop into S. Watts 23, at times with a tied match against Oratory and a Morris 24 n.o. a handy batsman-wicketkeeperwhen he was given desperately frustrating defeat by one run at the Or 154 for 4 his chance. - D. Walls 3-44 hands of Shiplake in the Lord Taverners Trophy, Lost by 5 v Radley Ab 85 all out having played ourselves into a winning position The team was unlucky to be without the injured wickets - Woodward 25 several times during the match. At least wegained Gwyn Jones formuch oftheseason.ln the lastfew Rad 86 for 5 - S. Watts 4-40 some revenge for this later on, beating them quite games he strengthened batting considerably. Draw v Oxford Ox 106 all out - Gray 3-17, convincingly in ourbest performance oftheseason. S. Watts 3-24 One pleasing featureofthe year was the enthusiasm Ab 54for8-S. Watts 21, When available, James Howe-Davies was a ofmany ofthe squad which manifested itselfvery C1ements 16 n.O. Won by 8 v Reading Read 73 all OUI - Gray 2-6, destroyer ofmoderate bowling, starting the season noticeably in the B team matches. Although only wickets Clements 2-6 with a magnificent 157 not out against MCS and one of the five games was won, all were played Ab 74 for 2 - Whalen 45n.o 88 not out in the Cokethorpe game. However, with great spirit and mutual encouragement. Won by 8 v Thame Tham 26 all oul- Gray 6-7, some technical frailties were exposed by more wickets S. Watts 4-19 We were weil served by seorers, James Bolle and testing bowlers which must be rectified if he is to Ab 27 for 2 Patrick Morse in particular doing a splendid job - Woodward 14, fulfil his potential and score heavily higher up the towards the end of the season. My thanks yet Whalen 13 n.O. school. Edward Ryder made significant progress Lost by 51 again to PJW for his valuable help with eoaehing, v St Edwards St Ed 183 for 3 during the year as he played straighter and could runs Ab 132 all out umpiring and consoling! - Woodward 51, make a most reliable opener. Left-handed James D. Watts 22 Horton proved to be the one class player, making A Team: J Horton (capt), H Dorling, E Ryder, Won by 9 v Shiplake Ab 159 for 5 four excellent fifties. He has that Iittle extra time J Howe-Davies, K Rajakulendran, M Jones, runs - S. Watts 63 n.o., to play, and has a good range of shots. He is also D. Watts 38, Whalen 38 M Edwards, R Gilley, G Taylor, G Jones, a promising leg-spinner but seemed to lack some Ship 150 all out A Mays, A Smith, P Wells, - Evans 5-31, confidence in hirnself. Henry Dorling eventually Also Played: D L1oyd, E Chow-Worn, S. Watts 4-54 showed what a good batsman he could be with an AAshurst, S Coates, T Burton. Lost by 9 v Pangbourne Ab 29 all OUI - lenkins 13 excellent knock againstShiplake. At last he moved wickets Pang 32-1 his feet positively and hit powerfully through the Draw v RES High RES 157 for 7- Whalen 4-53 8 Team: AAshurst (capt), A Smith, D L1oyd, Wycombe Ab 64 for 4 - Woodward 27 ball. He is also a very useful change bowler, B Potter, T Burton, S Coates, 0 Swanzy, although plagued by a shoulder injury, and held A Mays, L Altmann, T Heel, P Wells, some marvellous slip catches. Karthig E Chow-Worn, J Winearls, R Patel, A James, Rajakulendran's batting largely failed to live up P Morse, C Gale, A Carter to expectations, suffering from a lack offront foot movementand confidence. His bowling was more Results impressive, with the ability to swing the ball and v MCS A 238-3 deo be reasonably accurate, something that eluded (Howe-Davies 157 no, most ofthe other bowlers. Matthew Jones is a fine Horlon 52) striker of the ball and he developed promisingly MCS 151-9 (Horton 5-28) Draw as he became more patient and seleetive. His v Oralory A 171-5 dec (Horton 51) bowling, however, lacked consistency and requires 0 171 Tie much hard work on his action if he is to improve. v Radley A 98 R 101=2 Lost by 8 wkts Some innings of character and determination v Cokethorpe C 121 (Wells 5-21, from Mark Edwards saved the side from Rajakulendran 4-35) humiliation on several occasions. He had less A 122-0 (Howe-Davies 88 no) success with his offspin although was never Won by 10 wkts frightened to toss the ball up. Robert Gilley bowled v Reading R 125 with increasing aggression and reward, showing A 41 Lost by 84 runs v Kingham Hill* A 152-9 (Horton 63, a commendable enthusiasm to improve, although Dorling 30) his batting was generally disappointing. Although KH 25 (Rajakulendran 4-7) Won by 127 runs v Lord Williams LW 43 A 46-4 Won by 6 wkls v Shiplake* S 173-9 A 172 (Horton 56, Ryder 40) Losl by I run v St Edwards A 108 SI E 109-3 Lost by 7 wkts v Shiplake A 178-3 dcc (Dorling 59 no, Horton 43, G Jones 33) S 138 Won by 40 runs v Pangbourne A 99 (M Jones 31) P 103-5 Lost by 5 wkts v RGS A 138-8 dec (Dorling 32) RGS 139-7 (Gilley 6-40) Lost by 3 wkts

:i< Lords Tavernen- Trophy Matche.\· R.P.F. 58 THE ABINGDONIAN

ABINGDON SCHOOL ATHLETICS The mile race has always been the Blue Ribbon day-boy group based in Waste Court, ran out easy Abingdon - Bloxham Cup Results: event of any athletics meeting since one of our winners with Wilmore's House in second place. Abingdon Bloxham SI. Edwards's school Governors, now Sir Roger Bannister, broke Our Under 15 (mainly third form) school team Under 15 le ~ ~ the four minute barrier by three fifths ofa second, only lost one oftheir fi ve matches and that was in Under 17 119 115 on the Iffley Road track while he was a student at the first match, only three days after term had Open 108 104 65 Oxford University back in May 1954. More started! (Excuses, excuses - Ed.) They therefore recently there was an attempt on Steve Cram's gained wins against Douai, Pangbourne, Shiplake, Middle School Athletics Competition Third Year World mile record of3 m 52.17 s. Eightyears had Bradfield, Bloxham and St. Edwards. Total Pts BoarderlWaste Court 258 slowed him by about 6 seconds! During the time There is a little less talent in the Under 17 age Henderson's 167 that this world record has been in existence there group, so it is greatly to their credit that they won Mearns' 124 have been many changes in Athletics, the way in D-Hay's 120 over half of their matches. A number of our which it is organised and athletes paid. Talented Wilmore's 218 competitors, namely, C. Drake, E. Conway, P. men and women earn large sums of money in the Fourlh Year Dunphy and B. Lashmore-Davies, do weil on the Boarders sport and are paid through aseries of contrived 191 track but we need more talent for the throwing Henderson's 132 trust funds, which preserve their "amateur"status. events. I wonder how many potential javelin Mearns' 211 We sit back in our armchairs and see exciting throwing champions are playing cricket or shot D-Hay's 162 races and feats of athleticism on T.V. and are Wilmore's 114 put champions, rowing? P. Dunphy is to be entertained with no effort on our part. Thus congratulated on some excellent performances athletics, like many other sports has become Middle School Athletics Competition during the term and he deservedly won the fourth entertainment for a large number of spectators. at Dalton Barracks, June 1993. year Victor Ludorum in the School competition. We become brainwashed into thinking that Cup Winners participating requires littleeffortandachievements must rate in comparison ·with these Event Cup Winner "professionals". This, ofcourse, is unrealisticand Fourllz Year 100m Price B.C.Lashmore-Davies farfrom thetruth. Onething that a boy at Abingdon 200m Saywell P.D.Dunphy can learn is how to compete with himself and 400m Marsh B.C.Lashmore-Davies others andjudgehis own performances, and strive 800m ASAC Hurdles RJ.Binning to improve his own techniques and fitness through ISOOm Burnett D.E.Pinniger self-discipline and determination. Hl King P.D.Dunphy LJ Light D.S.L.Gooch Athletics here is organised so that we have teams Tl Alstone D.S.L.Gooch each of three age groups, as laid down by the SP Woolfe MJ.Pajak English Schools' Athletic Association. Boys thus DT XCup P.D.Dunphy gain experience competing in all the standard JT Viney P.D.Dunphy Victor Ludorum P.D.Dunphy events against each other and boys from nearby Third Year schools. They then have an opportunity to compete 100m tankard PJ.Aiken in an area Trial in order to gain selection for the 200m tankard D.R.Higazi Vale ofthe White Horse team, which competes in 400m Mobbs PJ.Aiken the County Championships. An even higher 800m Cross AJ.Howkins achievement is then to be selected for the County 1500m Griffith C.T.Purcell Hl Holne D.R.Higazi team, which competes in the All England Schools' LJ tankard l.R Grady Athletic Championships. Tl tankard l.RGrady When F. Malone-Lee (2HTR) gained a personal SP tankard RM.E.White DT tankard RM.E.White best of4 m 47.4 s in the County Championships, JT tankard B.R.Potter running in the Under 15 age group, he was elated Chris Drake photo: Ammar Tahir Victor Ludorum by his own improvement of about 14 seconds Townsend D.R.Higazi during the year, and with further improvements At Open level the captain Robin Morris and next year could gain selection for the County secretary Nicholas Hardy have had a difficult task We wish to thank the Commanding Officer of team. He trains a sensible amount for his age and holding the team together with only seven athletes Dalton Barracks for the loan oftheir track and the enjoys participating in otherevents forfun. Many in the VIth. form and two in 6th. being prepared many colleagues and boys who assisted in many other athletes have done the same this term, to train and compete on a regular basis. In some ways throughout the term and on match days, improving their personal best performances. P. matches boys had to compete in up to five events, without whom none of the athletics competitions Aiken and N. Drake became County Champions but this did enable us to carry off the honours in mentioned above would have been possible. in the Under 15,4 x 100m Relay, and the Senior four out of five competitions. We were weil F.C.B. TripleJump, respectively. To achieve this requires supported by a number of the 6th. form who commitment, loyalty and determination to officiated at home matches held at the Dalton succeed, which means hard work during regular Barracks track. In contrast, the apathy and lack of training and matches. commitment shown by certain senior boys has been disappointing. Our regularcompetitorsshow This year the pace has been set by a group of that it is possible to combine sport and study, athletes in the third year. The most successful indeed many claim that weil organised interludes won various cups and tankards in the Middle of exercise are of considerable benefit in this School Athletics Competition. The Victor stressful term. Ludorum was keenly contested, with D.R. Higazi the winner by just one point on a count back to Our final match of the year was against Bloxham earlier standards from P.J. Aiken, 1. Grady and R. and St. Edward' s, and this year we were successful White. Sunny weather this term has coincided in all three age groups and so retain the Abingdon with many of our athletics matches and we were - Bloxham Cup, specially presented for this able to round off the season with an exciting competition. Middle School Competition. Mearns' House won the Fourth Year Event with the Boarders' team a Full Colours were awarded to: Robin Morris, close second. At Third Year level the Boarders' Nicholas Hardy, Nicholas Drake, and Ben team, strengthened by the inclusion of a talented Rayner. Mark Pritchard photo: Ammar Tahir THE ABINGDONIAN 59

FIVES 1992-1994 BADMINTON 1992/93 During the last couple of years, great changes During the Michaelmas term we had quite a large have been afoot in the Fives Club. The end of and frenetic series of fixtures. In total we played 1992 saw the departure of Mr. Willerton as head 15 other schools. of fives, being replaced by Dr. Horn. He only The two U 19 teams won 14 out of 15 matches, lasted a term, however, and was to be replaced by The two U 16 teams won 2 and lost 4 matches, and the ever-dynamic Mr. Pritchard. the two UI4 teams won 6 and lost 1 match. Thelast match we played was against the Masters' This was especially creditable when it is noted Common Room. Needless to say, as in the last six that five out of the eight members of the U 14 years, the MCRwon hands down, the only victory squad are at least a year under age. This mighty being by Matthew Beaumont over Mr. Hunter. handful also beat the B10xham U 19 B team rather Othercreditable performances were by Mr. Baker amusingly. (despite his bad leg), Mr. Mitra, Mr. Hunter and Chris Beach. On Open Day we held the allcomers doubles competition; sadly the crowds had thinned by the Some matches for next term are being lined up, time the elite were playing off, but the winners probably with Bloxham and Radley. Can we gain were Richard Haynes and Alistair Mills and victory overRadley twice in a row? The last game runners up T. Ming Huang and Yusmal Ghazali. against Radley resulted in the awarding of Half Colours to Matthew Beaumont, Richard Samuels New fixtures this season were against Wellington, Henley team included England squad and and Chris Beach. Rugby and Chipping Norton, while the Stowe and Berkshire County players. Marlborough fixtures were revived. Sadly the It is at this point that everyone in the Fives Club The UI4 team won its Oxford Schools' League Ul9s still failed to beat Henley College, which would like to say thank you very much to Mr. final vs. Henry Box School, thus ending the inevitably meant that they would lose to them in Randolph for all ofhis coaching overthe last few season in high feather. the final of the Oxfordshire Schools' League. years, and we all wish hirn weil in his retirement. Though this was no surprise, the games were Colours have been held by Daniel Blake(captain), Neil Carson (6IS) keenly fought and the result no disgrace when the Richard Haynes (secretary), Alistair Mills, Syed Adlan and T. Ming Huang. Half colours have been held by Andrew Bennet, Matthew Hodges, David Jenkins, Patrick Voss and Mark Edwards. Lower School Colours were awarded to Tom Frankum, Robert Jones, Edward Wagner, Sam Potter and Paul Edwards. Secretary for 1993/94 is Andrew Bennet and Captain, Richard Haynes. Paul Edwards (I F) has practically done what Daniel Blake did six years ago: entered the U14 team two years young almost as he entered the school. Ever since then Daniel has been at the heartofthegame here: he has an enviabletechnique and an almost unflappable temperament. His willingness to play for pleasure, to encourage and support,just simply to be around doing the decent thing when visiting teams arrive has been widely noticed and valued. Sadly for us, he leaves school this July but he will be remembered by a whole generation of players. Mr. LA. Macdonald

Senior Squad members, below lett - Richard Haynes, right - Philip Allan photo: JA Macdonald 60 THE ABINGDONIAN

TENNIS REPORT The Tennis Club this year has enjoyed a mixed The next two matches for the first six were The last matches for all the teams were those season. In a disastrous start all four teams in their cancelled due to RGS Worcester being unab1e to against Radley. Here Abingdon swept the board first matches lost heavily to a very strong MCS field a worthwhile team and bad weather forcing once again, winning three outoffour matches and squad - our tennis players being more drawing the other, to leave Radley interested in the British Telecom demoralised even if their teams might advert being filmed on Magdalen not have been up to full strength. This Bridge and staring at Mel Smith than rounded off a pleasant season and all in any tennis being played! We were that remained was für the firsts to beat to recover quickly, however, the first a strong OA team 5.5-3.5. This, along six bouncing back easily to overcome with our U 15 team again winning their Oratory and the under 16s also doing way to becoming county champions in weil to draw when losing four oftheir the Midland Bank National Tennis best players to the firsts - this was to Competition, all bodes weil for a turn out to be a recurring event successful season next year. throughout the season, the middle Regular members of the teams this school being particularly weil year were as folIows: N. Rees, endowed with young tennis talent. S. Gray, G. Margo, S. Greenland, Next were Pangbourne. Here all four F. Carr, D. Blake, S. Allan, teams played very weil againstarather M. Dearman, H. Powell-Jones, a match against Bloxham to be called offjust as weak Pangbourne squad and as a result all won N. Woodward, R. Brown, C. Keith, P. Allan, the opposition arrived. This enabled time for easily. A trip down the road from Pangbourne R. Haynes, D. Otterburn, S. Rajagopalan, practice and psychological preparation for the three days later would bring us to Shiplake, always P. Edwards, P. Voss, D. Craig, M. Cooke, Radley match after half-term. The second six did a difficult team to beat, especially away from R. Hughs, P. Hatt, J. Howe-Davis, T. Adcock, play against Bloxham, however, and ended up home. On this occasion, playing in bad weather D. Matthews, P. Ewing, M. Simmons, drawing in wet conditions and the Ul5s played and on an astroturf surface, which we were not A. Edmonds, A. Twinn, A. Simmons, weil to win 7-2. Ajunior team (a combination of used to, the first six lost 6-3. The U 15s, the only M. Edwards, T. Greenland. Ul5s & UI6s) also played RGS Worcester and other team to play, won in a elose match (5-4), lost narrowly 5-4. S. Gray and S. Rajagopalan Special thank to Mr. Ayling for all his help and wh ich made up for a slightly disappointing proved a cut above the rest, losing only four commitment throughout the season, along with performance from the senior team. It was their games in four sets. Mr. Evans, Mr. Revill and Miss Milligan. second and last defeat of the season. Nick Rees

Mark Woodward photo: Ammar Tahir

Alistair Kieran and our beloved Editor photo: Ammar Tahir OA matches photos: Rizal Razali THE ABINGDONIAN 61

HOCKEY REPORT - 1ST XI The season got under way on the Astro-turf at The match against Reading started really weil, match against the OAs, who produced the best North Oxford. MCS were playing their fourth playing attractive hockey. Chris Keith made a performance from an OA side that I have seen. game and quickly took contro\. We took some number of good attacks down the left and Paul Guy Peddy gave an exhibition of defensive play time to get the feel of the surface and with MCS EngweIl cracked in ourfirst short-corner. It looked and the game, played on the Radley Astro-turL producing an excellent short-corner routine we as though we were heading for a convincing buzzed with good hockey moves from both sides. were soon three goals behind. Nevertheless there victory, but everything seemed to go wrong in the Will Hutchings in goal for the OAs thwarted was a determined air about our play in the second second-half. We seemed to relax, while Reading brother CharIes. attempts to score and Stefan haI fand as wegot used to the surface we began to gotthebit between theirteeth. Eventually Reading Hutchings once again scored for our opponents. put somegood hockey together. TheMCS defence equalised and we were only saved from defeat by The game ended with honours even and much were clearly becoming rattled by our fast attacks Chris Mitty's superb goal-keeping. applause from the spectators. and when Alex Webster nipped in to score an Returning to Abingdon we next faced Shiplake Results: opportunist goal, we were suddenlyon top. We and lost a controversial encounter by the odd goal, MCS Lost I- 3 Wehster came close to scoring again, but could not quite which many thought was scored from an off-side Bradtield Lost ()-7 add that final touch. Chris Mitty gavean excellent Pangbourne Lost () -I position. (Sour grapes - Ed.). The same thing display in the Abingdon goal, preventing MCS Reading Drew I- IEngwell happened at Bloxham. A number ofchances were from adding to their score. Shiplake Lost I - 2 Brown missed in agame that we dominated für long Bloxham Lost I - 2 EngweIl (P.F.) In a way it was unfortunate to have to play periods, with someexcellent mid-field play. Chris Berkhamsted Won I - 0 EngweIl Bradfield next. They are such a strong side these Morgan, CharIes Hutchings and Nick Woodward SI. Edwards Lost I - 5 Kcith days and they seem to save their very best form for all played weil and Paul EngweIl scored from a Old Abingdonians Drcw 2 - 2 EngweIl 2 uso The match, therefore, was one long struggle penalty-flick. and the talented Bradfield forward line scored at Half-colours were awarded to Christopher Chris Busby and Rowan Browne made impressive regular intervals. To report that I was pleased with Busby, Timothy Jephson, Guy Horton, debuts in our next game against a young our approach on this occasion seems strange Nicholas Woodward, Rowan Browne, Berkhamsted side; it was a well-deserved victory. perhaps, but we battled through it and at no stage Christoper Keith and Adam Brown. Paul EngweIl scored the winning goal. We then did we drop our heads and give in. returned to Astro-turf, confident of doing weil Full-colours were awarded to Andrew Harding, We next switched to grass atAbingdon and played against St. Edward's, but what a disappointing Christopher Mitty, Charles Hutchings, a very tight game against Pangbourne, losing by match this turned out to be. Apart from one speil Christopher Morgan and Stephen Ruhl. the only goal ofthe match. Dan Otterburn filled in in the first-half we did not produce our best form Chris Mitty played for Oxfordshire and the South for Chris Mitty in goal and gave an impressive and an excellent g.:lal from Chris Keith was our at the under 18 level. performance. only consolation. The season ended with a rousing P.J.W.

2ND XI HOCKEY REPORT Year by year hockey becomes a more acutely endangered species at Abingdon School, and year after year the second 'best' team in the school helps prolong its existence. This year was no exception, and during aperiod of unqualified disappointment for our premier team, their understudies were able to assure at least a resemblance of honour for the establishment.

Pressure meant change In hockey circles this year, the result of which was the installation of a 'continental' sweeper system focusing on the employment of a 'libero' granted freedom to It seems unfair not to mention all of our heroes, Results: roam the playing fields. Such adventure did not but one man above all others merits such Leighton Park ISI Drew I-I reap immediate rewards as we struggled in our distinction. However, the unwritten laws of M.C.S. Lost 0 - 3 opening matches on 'alien' surfaces: astroturf Lost 0 - I humility prevent me from such self-appreciation Bradtield and a flat grass pitch. Not dismayed, however, the Pangboume Won 2-0 and so I suppose it shall have to be Chris Busby. team grafted on, boosted by a succession of Reading Won 5-0 His role in the success of the team cannot be Won 1-0 comfortable victories over OUf 'superiors'. With Shiplake underestimated, his defence providing stability Drew 0 - 0 such a commendable scalp under our belt we were Bloxham and his 'attack' exhilaration and excitement. Berkhamsted Drew I-I able to fashion a season which was marred only Without his weighty impetus none ofour success SI. Edward's Won 3 - 2 by two defeats, oneatthe hands ofan accomplished would have been possibl~, and it is a testament to Magdalen side(and an allegedly Russian umpire!) Players: R. Browne, C. Busby, T. Cox, B. his selflessness and generosity that he allowed me and another following a rare poor performance Fuggles, M. Funnell, J. Glynn, A. lanisch, T. to write this report. Thanks Chris! against Bradfield. Indeed such was OUf brilliance lephson, R. Jones, C. Keith, B. Marnane, D. that we were able to end the season with a It would seem inappropriate to end this resurne Otterburn, S. Pearse, M. Porter, R. Stratton, B. magnificent victory over St. Edward's - beaters of without mentioning OUf mentor Mr. Payne, who Ulyatt, A. Webster. Radley. once again sacrificed countless hours of his time Richard Jones to provide consummate coaching and inspired On reflection such results were entirely deserved team-talks necessary to facilitate OUf lofty by a team who displayed a never-ending achievements in such a great season. I offer my application to the game in hand, enabling a team thanks to him and all otherofOUf noble contributors spirit the like ofwhich I have never before had the and hope that such success can continue for many privilege to experience; not even on the rugby years to come, and maybe spread, given time, into field. The squad of players over the season the Ist XI. performed with such gusto and flair that with the inevitable loss of stars from the team, following the promotion of 'Chubb' Busby and 'Rickets' Brown, we were unable to continue unhindered in our winning ways. 62 THE ABINGDONIAN

3RD XI HOCKEY 1993 MINORS HOCKEY REPORT The cliches could come pouring out by way of more ofthe same. The St Edward's Derby turned We had all been looking forward to the hockey commentary on this team: particularly the one out to be an excellent game, which we could and season, but our first match was, for all players, about enjoying a season of mixed success. But should have won. We set up some good their first game ofhockey. The team was not at its luckily, with a fixture list of only four matches, I opportunities in the first half and may even have full strength, and unfortunately we ended up on reckon you only have to win one game to qualify got the ball over their line - but mmour has it that the wrong side of a 7-0 scoreline! for this sporting platitude. But let's save the best the umpire (our umpire), unfortunately, was Yet, more determined than ever, we soon began to - the success - until a little later; the 'mixed' first. unsighted. A shame - sorry. We looked in fact improve our skills, and looked like a team. We rather more dangerous than Teddies all the way We avoided MCS this year, because the weather went intoournextmatch against Magdalen College through what was always going to be a tight, played its usual Lent term part and the whole of School with high expectations, but failed to score physical match. Luke Davy - usually something the Thames Valley was waterlogged. A pity; we again, resulting in a O-Odraw. The forwards' lack of a sharp shooter in practice - was having what were looking good in the early practices - who of flair was detectable by the moaning of our we'll politely call an off day; certainly his shots knows how many goals we might have scored centre forward, Sam Potter! 'at' goal (both with or without the goalie present) against them? Our first opponents became were offtarget! In between, while we might have With more practice and confidence, we were Bradfield; we were still full of early enthusiasm been settingup afive-nillead, StEdward's scored hoping for a better result against Christchurch but werejust notquite skilful enough tocope with from one of the few short corners they were Cathedral School. We played weil and dominated a typically accomplished Bradfield team. But we awarded. We had further chances, but there was in mid-field, and won the game 7-0. RobertJones learnt a good deal during this match, particularly no let up in effort; itjust wasn't our day. Luke's scored a hat-trick and Sam Potter put two past about the need for a direct, positive approach on life-threatening crack from just inside the circle their goalkeeper. grass - especially War Memorial field. However, which hit the cross bar summed it up weil. So, a Mark Findlay's goal gave us something to build Our next match was against an UI4 team from disappointing result, but at least we ended the on. Berkhamsted. We managed to resist their big season playing some good hockey. And it may be hitting, and Sam Potter was again our hero ­ Next we trundled down the valley to Pangbourne, another sporting truism, but we certainly did scoring both goals. looking for a repeat of last year's away victory, improve as the season went on. It took a while to the team strengthened by the inclusion ofRichard settle the team (selecting from a groupof about Our final encounter was against another U 14 side Brown, borrowed from Game I, as captain. But it twenty-five players) and to establish the best from St. Edward's. We made a superb start with was not to be. We played very weil in parts - there pattern and arrangement on the field; but after the a lucky early goal and survived a last minute goal was a marked improvement on the previous game Bradfield defeat we always looked a competent, by SI. Edward's, to win the game 2-1. - and we enjoyed the decent grass pitch, but determined and really quite skilful side. Those Despite a slow start, we never lost heart, and Pangbourne's defence proved unbreachable. We two narrow defeats might so easily have gone the ended the season on a high note. The message created some good moves but could not set up any other way. Then I might have been reaching for a from the U 13 A XI is 'keep on booowamming' (a effective scoringopportunities. Two half-chances different cliche... about being the best team, on very big hit!) didn't add up to a whole goal. We looked weil more than one day. organised in defence too, but a slight loss of The following played for the Xis: Never mind; we tried hard, did quite weil, got concentration in the second half allowed U.13AXI much better - and it was enjoyable. 1'11 settle for Pangbourne to dribble one in. I. Lashford, S. Husbands, P. Biggs, M. Capon, that sort of mixed success any day of the week. The final two matches took place towards the end A. Stewart, T. Greenland (Capt.), The following players represented the 3rd XI: ofthe term. This gave us plenty oftime to build on F. Malone-Lee, T. Crawford, T. Allen, R. Ellis, J. Glynn, L. Davy, P. Allan, H. Powell-Jones, the improvement we had already shown and S. Potter, R. Jones, A. Brown, O. MarshalI, T. Ward, G. Williams, W. Clothier, T. Pollard, develop a more effective attack (honed to E. Wagner. B. Marnane, W. Wilkinson, K. Leen, perfection one afternoon against the Second XI, M. Findlay, M. Reynolds, M. Lay, R. Clarkson, who kindly allowed us to score the winning goal U.13 B XI R. Brown (Capt), T. Mortimer, M. Ferguson. in extra-extra time). By now Marnane, Allan and C. Bowler, P. Bareharn, K. O'Leary, Clarkson had established themselves as a very T. Crawford, E. Wagner, J. Smith, P. Biggs, effective back three. The midfield of Powell­ Results: 1. Adams, J. Smethurst (Capt.), O. MarshalI, Bradfield L 1-4 Jones, Leen, Brown and Pollard combined skilI, G. Mills, R. MarshalI, D. Jones, A. Pavlosky Pangbaume L O-! industry and sense of purpose - sometimes all at Berkhamsted W 3-0 the same time. Up at the glory end Wilkinson, SI Edward's L 0-1 Results: Davy and Clothier were proving to be our best Goals+ Goals­ A.XI P.5 W.3 D.I L.I 1I 8 attacking force - although somehow we never S.A.E. B.XI P.3 W.! L.2 2 5 made as much use ofthe right flank as we should have done. Anyhow by the time Berkhamsted A.XI B.xl (and some nice spring weather) arrived in mid­ Priors Court L. 0-7 L. 0-3 March we were good and ready. Ready, anyway. M.C.S. D.O-O L. 0-1 This turned out to be a thoroughly convincing win c.c.C.S. W.7-0 - and a pleasing end to the long build-up. Even Berkhamsted W.2-0 SI. Edwards W.2-1 W.2-1 then ittook a long timecoming. We had numerous chances in the first half but, perhaps short of Goalscorers: match practice,justcouldn't put them away. Then S. Pouer (4) F. Malone-Lee (I) in the second halfthe f100d gates opened, as they T. Greenland (2) say. We scored three and might have had several T. Crawford (I) more. We found more room than in previous R. Jones (4) K. O'Leary (I) matches, particularly down the left side, and we exploited this weil. Stand-in Mark Ferguson kept Tom Greenland (2R) goal with some style that day, deputising for Richard Ellis (2R) Matthew Lay who deputised for James Glynn! J.D.E. Drummond-Hay It's good to have such strength in depth at 3rd team level! So, at least the pressure was off; the season wasn't going to be a 'whitewash'. Instead, with renewed confidence (having decided that we rather Iiked winning) we headed for north Oxford to look for THE ABINGDONIAN 63

MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSE JUNIOR COLTS HOCKEY A TRIBUTE TO HUGH

HOCKEY Wed Jan 20 Oxford School (a) won 1-0 RANDOLPH A full programmeofhousematches was completed Sal Jan 30 Bradfield (h) lost 0-4 I have been in charge of hockey at Abingdon for thanks to a mild endto the Lent term. The matches Wed Feb 3 Pangbourne (a) drew 2-2 the last 14 years and for niuch of that time have Sal Feb 6 Reading (a) won 1-0 were played in a friendly, but highly competitive been burdened with finding help to run the non­ Sal Feb 13 Shiplake (h) drew 2-2 manner. Thedark-horsesofthe toumamentproved Wed Mar 3 Bloxham (h) lost 1-2 team hockey. This thankless and undervaluedjob to be Drummond-Hay's A XI, who pulled off Sal Mar 13 Berkhamsled (h) lost 1-3 has never attracted many volunteers and there three shock results. Theoutcomeofthetoumament Sal Mar 30 SI. Edward·s (h) WOll 3-2 have been a number of occasions when it looked was not decided until the very last game. By this as though we would be left with boys wanting to stage Drummond-Hay's B XI had won their Team members: D. Gooch, J. McKenzie, play, but with nobody to supervise them. Hugh league, with the same number of points as the A. Moss, D. Wrigley, J. Gray, B. Jones, Randolph has never failed to provide the answer. Boarders, but a better goal difference. The A. Funnett, 1. Arthur, 1. Mackay, P. Woodward, On those occasions when it has been necessary, Boarders' A XI needed only to draw with J. Oldham, o. Greasby, S. Greenland. he has added an extra double session to the one Drummond-Hay's to clinch the overall title, but already assigned to hirn. His support for the non­ Looking back, it can be said that the boys lost an exciting match and had to settle for second team hockey has been unstinting and has enabled experienced both the sweetness ofvictory and the place. hundreds of Abingdonians to enjoy the game. pain ofdefeat (and aggravatingdraws!). From the Many was the time that Hugh has recounted, with record above, we won and lost three matches and Played Won Drawn Lost For Againsl Pts. great relish, the previous evening's match that drew two; a 'balanced' performance, I would say. ended in a 7-7 draw!! I shall beforevergrateful for A Competition: Still, I believe that the boys had a great time his support and enthusiasm, as will, I am sure, Mearn's 4 2 I 1 6 3 5 representing the schoo!. D-Hay's 4 2 II 3 3 5 those schoolboys who benefited from it. Boarders 4 2 II 3 3 5 The team was blessed with two captains this P.J.W. Henderson' s 4 II 2 4 6 3 season. Paul Woodward served forthefirst halfof Wilmore's 4 I 0 3 2 6 2 the term and Tain Gray succeeded hirn. Paul played excellently all season, setring a good B Competition: D-Hay's 4 3 0 I 9 3 6 example for everybody else while lain was more Boarders 4 3 0 I 8 4 6 on the tactical side by planning ball distribution Henderson'S 4 2 II 7 4 5 for each player. Alex Moss, who played defence, Wilmore's 4 II 2 4 4 3 gave us pointers all the way by shouting at us from Mearn's 4 0 0 4 I 14 0 the 0 line. Final Points Table Although this lot weren't always a pleasure to D-Hay's I1 (+8) coach, they played hard on the field. They were Boarders I1 (+4) full of enthusiasm and team spirit. Everyone Henderson's 8 improved substantially and I hope that a good Wilmore's 5 (-4) Mearn's 5 (-10) number have been able to practise and play on artificial turfsothat they might havean even more successful and enjoyable season next year. Last but not least, many thanks to MI. Hofton for his loyal support and for also being patient with uso

R.C.S. Coleman

SOCCER on Lower Field, Lent 1993

Paul EngweIl Dan Ouerbum and Ben Fuggles 64 THE ABINGDONIAN

CROSS COUNTRY After a long summer of cramming to finish half-way up the field. neglected text, it was a pleasant The second was at RGS High Wycombe, surprise to come away from our first where Richard Scott and Paul Shrimpton flxtureofthe term with two individual both dipped under the elusive ten-minute winners; Christian Purcell and Paul barrier, and Rob Walkerproduced a fitting Shrimpton both came first in our finale to his Abingdon career by winning annual fixture against Bradfield. his leg ofthe relay, in his I06th run for the What was even more encouraging school. about the results was the number of runners placed in the top 10. This Although still weary from this event, the gave many team members an added cross country club turned out in force for incentive to build on theirimpressive the road relay, the very nextday. What was start to the season. demonstrated, above all else, was that over the year every club member made Owing to the fact that many of the significant personal improvements, in both regular cross country runners were times and race placings. There can be no in an examination year, there were question that this was due to the general few fixtures in the rest of the level of determination and the friendly Michaelmas Term. This gave us the atmosphere, which prevails over our opportunity ofplacing moreemphasis training and competition. It is this on the quality of our training as atmosphere in the club which I personally opposed to the quantity. (As we had will miss most of all. more time in which to get fit). The resultofthis was thatwe were getting After the successful season, there was faster, in preparation for the Lent quite an array of prizes and awards to be term, where the races are Francis Malone-Lee.tinishes strongly at the presented at the end-of-term assembly. comparatively short. All England Championships Half colours went to Paul Shrimpton who has matured into a talented runner and a The Michaelmas term concluded, as always, with books, in order to prepare forthe 'mocks'. It is for subtle tactician. Full colours went to Rob Walker the Oxfordshire AAA Cross Country this reason that the Lent term was kick-started and Richard Scott, the captain and his successor. Championships. Despite the heavy going into action by the younger members of the team. The trophies awarded include the following: conditions, three runners gained places in the Having gained his pIace in the county team, Francis Malone-Lee(BestJunior); Paul Shrimpton county team. For the juniors, the dynamic duo of Francis Malone-Lee produced the performance (Best Intermediate); Peter Moloney (Most Francis Mal(me-Lee and Richard Ellis, and for of the season, finishing 37th out of 350 in the Improved); Richard Scott (Best Senior); Rob the junior men, Rob Walker. Commiserations national championships. For Francis, this run was Walker (Outstanding Service and Baxter? Cup). mus! go to Richard Scott, who in any race would particularly sweet, as last year, whilst running in almost certainly gain acounty pI ace. However, he the same race, he fell and was badly injured. All that remains to be done is to thank Mr. Baker found himself in an extremely fast race, with and Mr. Oxladefortheir help in the administration The second half of the Lent term saw a several of his competitors bordering on national and training oftheteam (Mr. Oxlade, in particular, concentration of relays, of which there were two standard. In this high class field, he did extremely for providing vast quantities of Mars Bars!). I particularly largeones. Thefirst at RGS Worcester, weil to finish just two pI aces off a county team would also like to wish Richard Scott good luck was an impressive field, where we entered two place. as the new captain; I hope he has as much fun as very underaged teams. Despite this handicap, I have done in the role over the previous two After a satisfying term's racing, many ofus hit the both the juniors and seniors ran very weil indeed years. Roh Walker

Rugby: 1st XV 1992 THE ABINGDONIAN 65

RUGBY SEASON 1992 This was another very enjoyable and hugely A scoreline of 10-17 was bitterly disappointing, 21/11/92 Pangboum~ (h) L 6-1.' p~ns: Horton (2) successful season for the Rugby Club. Not only but in truth it could have been far worse. 28/11/92 Douai (h) W 42-10 tri~s: Drak~ (3). Glynn. Engweil. were more games won than lost and more tries The response to two consecutive defeats was four Litchlidd scored than in the previous season, but our straight wins and adelugeoftries. A key positional p~ns: Horton (4) representative honours were most impressive. change was instrumental in giving the back Four boys were selected for Oxfordshire at U18 division more bite; Guy Horton moved to fly half Record level, seven played for the county at U16level and with Adam Janisch switching to full back where Played 12 Won 7 Lost 5 Matthew Cooke represented South Midlands the extra time and space suited his elusive style of Points For 217 division in what was effectively an England trial. running. The only defeat after half term was Points Against 111 Points DilTcrenc~ 106 1st XV against Pangbourne which in retrospect was just about the best team we played. 30 Tries 15 Penalties XConvcrsiolls The Ist XV record speaks for itself; an impressive try countof30 tries and no game lost by more than In a season which saw IOpoints.lfthe undoubted highlight ofthe season many changes in was the victory at St. Edward's, the first against personnei, a few players them for some years, the real disappointment was stood out. The captain, the cruel one point defeat at Radley, agame which R.J. Stratton was a tower even the Radley faithful suggested should have of strength and his been won by Abingdon. maturity, determination and total commitment The domestic season began with a narrow defeat were a major factor in a at Stowe where complacency, early season lack pleasing season. The of fitness and lack of tactical awareness were front row of Stratton, significantfactors in a weak and often disorganised Chris Busby and Rowan performance. In hindsight, the defeat was perhaps Browne played in every a blessing in disguise since in the following week game and as a unit they a weil earned victory was achieved against a were the cornerstone of stubborn Bloxham XV. thepack. In the back row, Serum against Radley Ben Rayner and Steven Ruhl were always in the Try Scorers: thick of the action with the latter a weil deserved Drake 7, Webster 6, Litchfield 4, Janisch 3, recipient of the award for best forward of the EngweIl 3, Rayner 2, Richardson I, Cooke I, season. Our weakest position was probably at Morgan I, Glynn I, Ruhl I scrum half and in many ways there was really nothing to choose between Chris Morgan and Penalty Scorers: Tim Jephson. The most dangerous and incisive Horton 10, Engwell4, Janisch 2 runner was Paul Engweil. He was also the most Conversion Scorers: consistent of all our player and he thoroughly Horton 4, EngweIl 3, Janisch I deserved the award for best back of the year. Point Scorers: Finally it was encouraging to see two fifth year Horton 38, Drake 35, EngweIl 33, Webster 33, boys making their debuts for the Ist XV and in Webster 30, Janisch 23, Litchfield 20, Matthew Cooke and Ross Hewes, we have two Rayner 10, Richardson 5, Cooke 5, Morgan 5, players who could play influential roles in the Ist Glynn 5, Ruhl 5 XV over the next two years. Appearances: Abingdon 1st XV - Season 1992 Stratton 12, Browne 12, Busby 12, Horton 12, EngweIl 12, Webster 12, Drake 12, Janisch 12, 12109/92 Stowe (a) L 3-7 pens: Janisch Litchfield 11, Glynn 11, Rayner 11, Ruhl 10, 16109/92 Bloxham (a) W 18-3 tries: Rayner, EngweIl Allison 8, Jephson 7, Cooke 6, Marnane 6, 19109/92 Berkhamsted (a) L 6-12 pens: Horton (2) Morgan 5, Richardson 3, Patey I, Dale I, 26/09/92 Marlborough (a) W 10-5 tries: Webster, Taylor I, Hewes I, Harding I Richardson 03/10/92 Radley (al L 13-14 try: Webster Colours: pens: EngweIl (2) Stratton, Busby, Allison, Rayner, Glynn, Ruhl, cons: EngweIl (I) EngweIl, Webster, Drake, Janisch 10/1 0/92 Magdalen (h) L 10-17 try: Drake pens: EngweIl (I) County Players: cons: EngweIl (I) Rayner, Jephson, EngweIl, Drake Line-out with Bloxham 17/10/92 Shiplake (h) W 18-12 tries: A bruising and often bad-tempered affair resulted Webster (2), A.n. Watkins in another narrow defeat away to Berkhamsted, Rayner but a week later a fine all round team performance pens: EngweIl (I) gave us a third consecutive victory against 07/11/92 Newbury (a) W 49-5 tries: Janisch (2), Marlborough. Our next two games saw us lose to Webster (2), Litchfield (2), Radley and M.C.S., but the manner was in each Morgan, Ruhl, case wholly different. The former game was weil Drake within our grasp and having come from behind, pens: Horton (I) we were weil in control until the final moments of 14/11/92 SI. Edwards (a) W 7-0 try: Drake the match. Unfortunately, Radley snatched victory cons: EngweIl (I) late in the game and the final scoreline of 13-14 19/11/92 Reading (h) W 36-13 tries: Drake, EngweIl, Cooke, reflected a close and compelling contest. The Janisch, M.C.S. game was rather bizarre with Abingdon Litchfield comfortably ahead at half-time 10-0and seemingly pens: Horton (I) weil in control of proceedings. Then for some cons: Horton (4) inexplicable reason we went offtheboil, conceded a soft try and allowed M.C.S. to take the initiative. Jst XV v. Douai photo: fan Warnecke 66 THE ABINGDONIAN

2nd XV GAME 2 Played 10 Win 7 Lost 4 Draw I 3rd XV: Lost 7, Won 4 One welcoming and unusual fixture was arranged Points: For 171 Against 151 4th XV: Lost 6, Won I against Abingdon College (lost 12-6), a good game played in excellent spirit. Overall, a very satisfactory season in which team This was notagood season. The squad suffered in spirit and enjoyment ofthe game were paramount two important aspects: firstly th~re was a lack of Squad in the players' minds. We started the season weil leadership for the third XV; secondly there were P. Aiken, M. Bright, R. Brown, J. Brownlee, with a hard fought victory atStowe. There followed insufficient players to effectively run two XVs. M. Clements, I. Cotterill, T. Cox, R. Davies, three consecutive victories, with the highlight Jon Holmes took on the captaincy ofthe thirds for L. Davy, J. Easton, M. Eyre-Brook, B. Fuggles, being the outstanding display away to Bloxham. the first five games, but then relinquished it to a M. Fullbrook, M. Funnell, B. Gannon, Marlborough was undoubtedly the toughest fixture numberofsuccessors. For mostoftheirgames the J. Grayling, J. Holmes, W. Hoodless, M. Lay, ofthe season and a major set back; despite all our fourths (ably captained by Mark Clements) had to D. Malcolm, D. McMahon, M. Milton, et'forts we could not prevent them from rattling up press gang non-team players - and on one occasion S. Moss, S. Owens, H. Powell-Jones, an impressive total of tries. a passing OA - to make up the numbers. There T. Ratcliff, C. Sandford, R. Trotman, was, not surprisingly, a very pessimistic spirit in As usual, the Radley match was a frenzied affair M. Wilkinson, N. Woodward, N. Wolf, the camp as a result. Despite the good efforts of and although we played with tremendous courage T. Wright. some, this pessimism rendered training sessions and determination against a side containing some M.C. Stevenson ineffectual so that there was little improvement very big specimens, we were unable to prevent a over the season. The numbers problem did have narrow defeat. This game also saw us lose key some beneficial side-effects: Rufus Trotman players through injury or selection to 1st team having been converted from spectator to player level and two games immediately before half whilst supporting the thirds away at Radley put in term produced defeat at the hands of M.C.S. and such an impressive (and enjoyable) performance a truly forgettable draw at Shiplake. that he thereafter became astalwart member of After half term, we returned with renewed vigour the third's pack. Similarly, Henry Powell-Jones and enthusiasm; at times we played some volunteered his services to good effect. Whilst we breathtaking rugby and outoffi ve games ouronly lost heavily to traditionally strong rivals such as defeat was at the hands ofSt. Edward' s. Excellent Radley and St. Edward's, a good on-field spirit wins against Pangbourne and Douai reflected the meant that many other games were very close. true potentialofthis team. The Pangbourne fixture was areal nail biter, we led 5-0 with ten minutes to go when suddenly, but not unexpectedly, COLTS 1st xv v. Bloxham Pangbourne scored an unconverted try. Showing tremendous character we quickly bounced back The Colts played twelve games this season, In the second halfofterm the side played a further to seal victory, courtesy oftwo weil struck penalty (excluding results from the Scottish Tour). five games. They beat Reading, Newbury and Douai but lost to St. Edwards and Pangbourne. In goals by William Clothier. Up to half term they were undefeated, beating the two games we lost the weather conditions Stowe, Bloxham, Berkhamsted, Marlborough, Highlights ofthe season include Kim Taylor's 6'h were not that pleasant. In the former match we lost Radley, Oxfordshire Under 16s and M.C.S. tries, Robin Morris missing thecoach to Shiplake, 3-0, but could have converted two penalties to Chewy's classical prop forward tri es, the never The most notable victories of these were reverse the score. In the Pangbourne match we ending sagaofthescrum-halfposition and last but Marlborough and theOxfordshire Under 16s. The were short of key players. Due to the weather not least, Chrls Morgan's Oggy! Oggy! Oggy! former match was the bestofthe season. Itcertainly conditions it was a forwards game. At the end of All of this made for a very enjoyable season and was the worst for the spectators, being such a hard the day both teams were equal in aU departments a most respectable record. Thanks to the coaches, and closely contested match. We controlled the but it seemed that Pangbourne were the more all oursupporters and ofcourse to those who wore first session, encamped in Marlborough's half. determined. The final score 17-0. However we could not convert pressure into the 2nd XV jersey with pride and honour. A pleasing season with several players points. They defended weil and kept us at bay. representing the county at Under 16 level. The second half belonged to Marlborough. They Captain: Ali Dale M.J. Maughan Players: N. Rees, 1. Mclntosh, W. Houston, scored a penalty giving them a 3-0 lead. From the restart C. Drake went outside his man and ran M. Ferguson, B. Marnane, M. Patey, S. Fisher, Results under the posts, D. Melin converted - just! W. Wilkinson, D. Allison, K. Taylor, Stowe W 44 0 Adcoek, List x2, A. Harding, A. Battye, D. Richardson, Marlborough came back hard and eventually the Drake, Partridge, Grinsted, Thomas, C. Morgan, T. Jephson, R. Jones, N.Watts, pressure told and they scored and converted. 7-10 Cooke, (Melin x2C) W. Clothier, C. Keith, R. Morris, T. Ratcliffe, to Marlborough. Time was short but the character Bloxham W II 3 Melin x2P, Cooke W 36 0 Thomas x2. List, D. Benzina, A. Brown, M. Bright. of the team shone through. R. Finch went blind Berkamstead from a break-down situation and scored the Drake, Grinsted, Adcock. (Melin x3C) winning try. 12-10 to Abingdon. Marlborough W 12 10 Drake. Finch, The match against Oxfordshire was also a pleasing (Melin xlC) performance. It was in the second half that the Radley W 15 5 Matthews, Hankin, (Melin xlC, IP) side clicked and everythingcame right, especially Oxfordshire W 36 19 Cooke x2, Drake x3, in the rucking and mauling departments. M. Cooke Finch, (Melin x3C) and C. Drake scored two and three tries MCS W 12 3 Hewes, Ruddick, respectively. R. Finch got one and D. Melin (Melin xlC) converted three. Thefinal score 36-19. Due to this Lomond L 5 10 game six players, G. Stow, R. Hewes, J. Grinsted, Glasgow Acad. W 20 5 W 30 0 M. Cooke, C. Drake and D. Melin, were invited to Reading Newbury W 21 7 train with the county squad. SI. Edward's L 0 3 Over halfterm the Abingdon squad went up to the Pangbourne L 0 3 W 22 0 Drake x2, Pajak, List, West coast ofScotland and played two games on Douai (List xlC) a mini-tour of that area, playing Lomond School Warv·/ick PostponediCancdled Ist XV and Glasgow Academy Colts. 239 67 P W L o PF PA

D. Melin punts away photo: Jan Warnecke 12 10 239 67 THE ABINGDONIAN 67

JUNIOR COLTS Overall, this was a successful and very enjoyable There's a lot ofsize, powerand potential amongst Final Statistics for the 1992 Season. season. Everyone worked hard and made the squad and if they're to develop into an even Opposition Result Score encouraging progress as a team. There are some better team, then they've got to start to believe in Stowe L 7 - 19 big forwards, who developed into a very useful themselves more and enter the tougher games Bloxham W 52 - 5 unit, especially when several of them began to with the belief that they're good enough to win. Bcrkhamsted W 17 - 0 realise their potential. The presentation ofthe ball Marlhomugh W n-o I'd like to thank all those who played throughout in the loose, to ensure possession is maintained, Radley D o - 0 the season for making it such a successful one ­ needs fine tuning. The backs have plenty of pace M.C.S. W 65 - 0 even if it did have its ups and downs. (But then Shiplakc W 46 - 10 and strength, and the tactical awareness improved there's no challenge if ifs all plain sailing'!) Newbury D 3 - 3 as the season progressed, butthey struggledagainst St. Edward's L 0-34 the tight, weil drilled defences where the basic Finally, I'd like to give a special thank you to Joe Reading W 50 - 0 handling skills let them down. Allen for all the time and help he gave to the Panghourne L K- 41 coaching and also to Richard Binning, who led Douai W 36 -7 Although the overall record was spoilt somewhat the team by example superbly throughout the Warwiek L 0-40 by disappointing displays at St Edward's and season. Overall Record Warwick, total demolitionofDouai (whom they'd lost to in the previous year) and the draw against Good luck next season. Playcd 13 WOll 7 Draw 2 Lost 4 Radley made up for it. A.M, Broadbent. Points ror: .106 (inc 50 (ries) against: 159 The key to the side's success, as is often the case, Regular members of ' A' XV: lay with their confidence - when they were R. Binning (Capt.), D. Hankin, M. Pajak, preparedto run at opponents. They provedcapable P. Rutland, A. Edmonds, O. Cox, C. McGarry, of destroying defences, as the 4 scores of 46+ D. Wrigley, P. Woodward, L. Clements, showed. However, too often against the stronger D. Chadwick, P. Dunphy, A. Funnell, opponents, a sense of apprehensive and M. Morris. tentativeness was always evident, and Also played: M. Conway, J. Mackay, consequently they never gave full justice to their O. Greasby, B. Lashmore-Davies, A. Moss, ability. R. Finch, P. Tompkins.

JUNIORSAXV 2nd XV: Andrew iones takes the strain It seems a very long time ago that Robert White a very enjoyable and rewarding one to coach. Shiplake W 29-0 received his first pass in one ofour initial practice Success stemmed from a robust and effective Newbury W 70-7 St. Edward's W 7-0 games and ran round everybody to score the first pack, of which Henry, our sizeable prop, was the Rcading W 26-0 of many tries that term. Robert picked hirnself, cornerstone. Henry on the charge was one of the Pangbourne L 0- 20 but the problem remained of selecting the other best sights of the season! Douai W 29-7 fourteen players, in the correct positions. We had Warwiek D 0- 0 The backs were a less settled unit than the forwards. a playing squad of about ninety, including over Their main strike force was Robert White, who Played 12 Won 9 Lost 2 Drew 1 fifty new boys competing with the nucleus of last always ran with speed and determination. It took Points For : 232 Points Against : 68 year's successful VI3 teams. This produced an agood tackle to stop hirn and his tally ofeighttries Try Scorers: White (8) Dorling (4) exciting and competitive start to the term; there shows his contribution to the team. Higazi (11) Jones (I) Ashurt (2) Taylor (I) was plenty oftalent, someoutstanding individuals Howkins (2) Hewes (I) French (3) Jeffries (4) and a vital ingredient; cnthusiasm. A successful side needs a good captain and we had that in scrum halfAndrew Smith. I rarely saw Lyall (I) Aiken (2) The team won five out of six matches in the first Andrew make a bad mi stake; he usually did Regular A Team Players: C. Pearson, half of term. Most wins were 'comfortable' something very effective. He was positive and P. Aiken, R. White, J. Horton, A. Howkins, although the scorelines suggestquite closegames. enthusiastic about the game and this set the tone M. Jones, A. Smith, S. French, D. Higazi, Wefaced opposition ofvaryingcalibre later in the for the whole team. E. RusselI, J, Lyall, A. Ashurt, T. Hewes, season. We trounced Newbury one week, when J. Willats, H. Dorling everybody had a bitoffun and Henrydemonstrated I think we allieamt a lot this term about the way that he was the best fly halfas weil as the best prop the game should be played, especially under the Also played: J. Grady, B. Porter, B. Cullum, in the team. Yet therathernarrowervictory against new laws where the emphasis is on securing J. Winearls, G. Taylor, R. Janisch, J. Downing, St. Edward's the following Saturday was by far possession and keeping the ball alive. This is a 1. Strong. the more satisfying win. The team lost just two vital aspect of play which this team only Congratulations to Mr. Biggs and the Juniors B games all season, one in each half of the term. demonstrated inconsistently - but they proved to XV on their very successfu! season: There was no disgrace in defeat by a strong themselves time and time again what good rugby Played II Won 7 Lost I Drew 3 Radley side and a courageous second halfensured they could play when they did retain and re-use that Radley scored no further points. Against possession. My hope is that they build on their The Juniors put out a C team on three occasions Pangbourne, however, we lost our way in the fog. knowledge and go on to play excellent, attractive this term and although all the games were lost Again we were up against an accomplished, and winning rugby. They are certainly capable of there were no heavy defeats. The boys did very confident side and without Robert White, our it. weil considering the limited team practise they attacking options were limited. Strong The last word should be one ofthanks; to the boys had. The D team played two matches and was one performances against Reading and later Douai for making it such an enjoyable and successful of the only team to beat Radley, (5-0). They lost put us in quite good shape for the final match season, to Mr. Biggs for all his help with the A and their other match to St. Edwards very narrowly. against Warwick, which turned out to be an B team squad- andto all the parents who supported Thanks are due to Mr. Milner and Mr. Waters for excellent game of rugby. It may have been a us so loyally throughout the season. their invaluable help with C and D team and non­ scoreless draw but this was no damp squib and team rugby. Also, a special thanks tu Mr. Lewis included some ofthe best rugby ofthe term. Both Junior A XV Results and Mr. Townsend for giving up several teams thwarted each other's advances with brave, Bloxham W 12-5 Wednesday and Saturday afternoons to referee committed tackling; it was a fair result - and it Berkhamsted W 34-5 our matches. provided a memorable conclusion to the season. Marlborough W 10-0 Radley L 0 - 19 This was always an interesting side to watch and M.C.S. W 15 - 5 S,A. Evans 68 THE ABINGDONIAN

MINORS RUGBY COLTS TOUR 1992 With seven wins to their credit and only two The B XV had less success in terms 01' results; On the 26th October during half term, Mr. defeats, this year's Minors xv will go down on nevertheless they approached each game with Maughan took 17 colts players on tourto Scotiand. record as one 01' the most successful teams at this purpose and determination, led enthusiastically We stayed at his old school, Lomond School, level. Few sides can boast ofscoring40 tries in ten by their vociferous coach, Mr. Mitra. which is ten miles away from Glasgow on the games while conceding only 6, in a total tally of banks of Loch Lomond. The players stayed with The following played for the XVs: 224 points for, and 35 against, which says a great the players ofLomond's first team. We were due deal far the XVs attacking and defensive skills. AXV to playthem on theafternoon ofthe27th and in the morning we went to Cameron House. This is a Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the season is F. Malone-Lee, T. Crawford, R. Ellis, leisure centre which is frequently used by that thirteen players of the XV joined in the S. Husbands, T. Allen, T. Greenland (Capt.), international sides before playing Scotland at scoring spree, and one is able to reflect on a highly W. Bourne-Taylor, D. Livingstone, A. Stewart, Murrayfield. The team feIt quite at home here successful XV, ratherthan a team ofa few talented T. Frankum, A. Benson, M. Capon, using the sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool and individuals. J. Dunbar , S. Potter, G. Mills, D. Jones, S. Harrison, T. Smith. otherexcellentfacilities that were provided. After Leading points scorers: lunch we played Lomond School's first XV on a Tom Smith (60) 12 Tries BXV waterlogged pitch and narrowly lost 10-5. James Gareth Mills (55) 11 Tries J. Smethurst, D. Pearson, J. Otterburn, Ruddick and Luke List picked up injuries during Jonathon Dunbar (30) 6 Tries C. Hockley, J. Watts (Capt.), S. Tompkins, the match and were forced to pull out. Luke Francis Malone-Lee (20) 4 Tries M. Selwyn-Smith, D. Hancock, J. Adams, played no further part in the matches but James Thomas Allen ( 17) I Try, 6 Cons. L. Jackson, E. Wagner, R. Bourne-Taylor, played the next game. The match was weil fought Thomas Greenland (10) 5 Cons. I. Lashford, P. Hemsley, S. Jones, M. lones, and their size and strength proved to be the R. Jones, A. Brown, K. O'Leary, winning factor. Scoring tries, however, is by no means the only N. Warrningham. criterion by which one judges a player's After spending another night with Lomond contribution to his team. No-onecontributed more School's company we said our goodbyes and Results: to the team's success than Mark Capon, a very moved on to Glasgow. Here we played Glasgow exciting and fully committed lock forward, and A XV BXV Academy's Colts and playedweil, defeating them the ever solid front row of Andrew Stewart P.9 W.7 L.2 Pts+224 -35 P.8 W.3 L.5 Pts+109 -88 20-5. SI. Hugh's Match abandoned 12-0 (hooker) and Will iam Bourne-Taylorand Thomas M.CS. W 61-0 L 10-22 After the match we headed for home and arrived Frankum, the two prop forwards. Thomas Millbrook W 46-0 W 39-0 at Abingdon just before midnight. Crawford, Richard Ellis, Sam Husbands, Stuart Oragon W 22-10 L 7-22 Harrison, David Livingstone and David Jones Pinewood W 7-5 L 5-12 The touring players would all like to thank Mr. improved in every match, and they were also Oratory Prep L 10-17 L 5-15 and Mrs. Maughan for making this tour possible. match winners in their own right. Newbury W 27-0 The touring players were: M. Cooke (Capt.), Oratory W 32-0 W 5-0 A. Brownlow, R. Hewes, B. Hutt, S. Hill, As a result of their efforts and commitment to Priors Court W 7-0 W 38-7 Minors Rugby, the above, and the leading points Warwick L 0-3 T. Adcock, 1. Ruddlick, S. North, T. Wragg, scorers, are awarded LowerSchool Rugby Colours Christchurch CS. L 0-10 D. Matthews, C. Drake, J. Grinsted, G. Stow, for the 1992 season. L. List, l. Collins, A. iones and D. Melin. J. Drummond-Hay The team is indebted to the leadership skills of David A. Melin (5lS0) Thomas Greenland and Jonathon Dunbar, who always succeeded in getting the best out 01' their players, and I am grateful for their help both on and off the field.

Junior 'A' XV 1992 photo: 1vor Fieids THE ABINGDONIAN 69

ROWING SENIOR SQUAD The major event of the head race season was race. Determined to show that they had tn be laken Schools' Head on the Tideway, a three-and-a­ seriously, they rowed a very gond race in their Most members ofthecurrent senior squad returned quarter mile race which, rowed with the tide, heat and qualified safely behind St Edward's. afterthe summerholidays to find thatthey were to takes around 12 minutes. All four crews, the Their final was the last race of the day and the be awarded colours in the first assembly of term. eight, the quad, the coxed four and a novice four atmosphere around the lake was tense as the race Not only was this a psychological boost but also prepared thoroughly for a chaJlenge to continue last year's string of this race and had a successes. practice outing on the Michaelmas term is a time which needs to be used course on the day before wisely by rowers, although it contains no major the event. events. It is a long, daunting time of hard work After a race in which when much emphasis is placed on developing many crew members did _.",(,"I5*.""hi strength and stamina. Most of us, however, had not perform to their best the ambition of rowing in the first eight and we ability, striking 35 on the knew how fierce the competition would be. Along notoriously bouncy water with Mr. Martin's coaching, this kept all of us of the Tideway, the first working hard. eight were disappointed The half-term training camp in Nottingham was to find that they had only exhausting and competitive, yet everyoneenjoyed come 10th. The quad did Home Counlies - Exil Ben Marshall it, especially our visit to 'LazerQuest' where Guy slightly better, coming third equal to be beaten by Windsor, who, being Carling and CCF hardman Dave 'Davide' Smith was started. St Edward's took an early lead but quads specialists, later became their archrivals, excelled by scoring the largest number of kills. were challenged by Eton and Radley as they and Durham. The best result, however, was that The few events there were overtheterm, however, approached the line. Although the eight were in ofthe coxed four, whose average weight of 13 st. tended to be cancelled due to heavy f1ooding. The fifth position and almost a length down on explains the nicknames 'Rotund Four' and 'Obese most notorious canceJlation was that of a head Kingston, the winners of Schools' Head, at the Boys'. They came second to Belmont Abbey in a race near Glasgow, which we did not find out 1000 m - mark, they made a surge and closed the very promising race. The novice four also did about until we had arrived in Dumfries! The most gap, finally overtaking Kingston on the last 250 m weil to come third. daunting event was the Boston Marathon, a 31­ of the 1500 m race. Coming fourth just over a mile 'race' from Lincoln to Boston, Lincs. The The head race season finished promisingly with length behind St Edward's, Eton and Radley was junior four, superbly entertained by cox Alex an impressive performance by a modified eight at a splendid result, especially because Abingdon Greaney, managed to survive the four-hour row the Head ofthe River on the Tideway. We could had never before entered the top event at Nat. without too much dehydration and won their now hope for some good results in the regatta Schools. event. season ahead of us. The next day the first eight was split up into two Afterreturning from the Christmas holidays racing While maintaining a pattern oflunchtime weights fours, ane; both did very weil in Championship eventually began. The first eight was sessions we spent mostofthe summerterm rowi ng, events, the top category at Nat. Schools. supplemented, rather than by a second eight, by a foJlowing our experiences on tour in America. Disadvantaged because of unfair orders given by quad and a coxed four. The first races at Hampton The objective was to develop more speed for the the starter, both crews gotoffthe start late and had Head were very promising. The first eight came regattas, with an emphasis on technique, to pull back on the other boats. Nonetheless the second to beat, amongstothers, Hampton School, togetherness, strength and 'peaking' at the right coxless four were only beaten by Hampton. The who had won the Championship eights at Nat. time. coxed four were particularly unfortunate to be very lateoffthestartbutcamethird behind King's Chester and St Edward's. Real disaster struck, however, when the quad, who had been coached by the formidable Mr. Simon Johnson of Simon Johnson International, the world's biggest manufacturer ofrowing seats, had to give up their hopes of reaching their final after one uf their seats, which had not been produced by SJI, broke on the start. They were disappointed to have 1.0 watch Windsor, to whom they had come so close atPoplar, beat Durham by nineseconds to win the event.

After Nat. Schools we set our sights on Henley, which is a much Ionger course and therefore required us to train differently. The first eight were pleased to find that they were seeded for their event at Henley, the Princess Elizabeth Cup, whereas the four and the quad learned that they Quad al Henley Regatta - July 1993 would have to qualify. After much preparation Schools the previous year, the quad came first and After much preparation and hard work, the big the quad qualified, but the four had been entered the four third. day of the National Schools Regatta, the first of in a tough event andjust failed to qualify. the two major events, finaJly arrived. The coxed Later on in the season it would sometimes be said The two crews that were going to compete at fourcruised through their heat and in a tough final that we were not doing as weil as some ofthe other Henleytook their preparation extremely seriously they kept in contention all the way to come a close rowing schools because we were not strong enough with regular outings on the course. Knowing that third behind Belmont Abbey and Westminster. to win the major events. This certainly was not their race would be early in the morning the quad The eight knew that it was going to be tough even due to lack of effort. We aJl knew Mr. Martin as got into ahabit ofgetting up early, while the eight to get to the final, but they also knew that they had someone who relentlessly demands hard work of stayed together in nearby Goring. Both crews the potential to do very weil in the final. Working those who want to row in top crews and he always achieved same good times in practice outings. tugether as a crew is vital for success and they encouraged us. spent the whole day together preparing for the The first race of the eight was something of a 70 THE ABINGDONIAN disappointment. They only beat Oundle School of winning at Horne Countries was to rate higher and 10nathanWatkinson, Secretary, for their work bya length and it had been a closely fought race than anyone else while maintaining the same during the year. all the way. On the nextday they met Shrewsbury. powerefficiency thatthecrew had at lowerratings, The Crews: The eight was down on the start and struggled to and in order to achieve this the crew had to work 1st 8+: decrease Shrewsbury's lead. As they came to the perfectly as a unit. Uncertain aboutlheirprospects enclosures it became clear that it would be hard the crew arrived in Glasgow for the Horne Peter Godsell, 1ames Sporle, Guy Carling, David Lindgren, Michael Litchfield, Mark Clarke, for them to win the race and in the end they were International Match on the last weekend in 1uly. 1ames McCormick, Philip Baker, Alex Greaney beaten by a length. Despite unclear orders given by the starter the (National Schools Regatta and Henley) The quad did not have much better luck to draw a Abingdon crew were fastest offthe start with their Peter Godsell, 10nathan Watkinson, Guy Carling, very fast crew, who later won the event. The final rating in the high forties. Having gained half a David Lindgren, Michael Litchfield, Philip Baker, verdict was 3'/4 lengths - a very long way. length on the Irish, who were, as expected, their James McCormick, Mark Clarke, Alex Greaney toughest opposition, at the 500 rn-mark the eight (Schools' Head) During the last week of term, a number of pairs were still reluctant to drop their rating below 39. Christian Schoof, Jonathan Watkinson, went to a race-off where final GB selection was At the 1000 rn-mark the Peter Godsell, Nick Edmonds, Guy Carling, eight were leading the 1ames Sporle, Michael Litchfield, David Hutchins, Irish al ready by a whole Ben Marshall (Home International Match) length, a situation to Hampton Schools' Head (2nd), Reading Head which they were rather (3rd), Trent Head (I st), G10ucester Head (l st and unaccustomed. This 2nd), Schools' Head (10th), Tideway Head ofthe point in the race proved River (...th), Poplar Regatta (I st and 2nd), to be crucial, as Messrs. Nottingham City Regatta (2nd), Bedford Regatta Mearns and Martin had (Ist and 2nd), National Schools Regatta (4th), predicted. The eight had Chester Regatta (1 st), Marlow Regatta (semifinal), Henley Royal Regatta (P.E., 2nd round), the guts to fight off a Home International Match (l st) strong surge by the Irish and never allowed them The 4x: to catch up again, David Smith, 1ames Sporle, Nick Edmonds, winning the race in a Christian Schoof (Schools' Head) splendid time of 6.08. David Smith, Nick Edmonds, Christian Schoof, Having finished off the Jonathan Watkinson (National Schools Regatta, season with such a great Henley) win, the crew certainly Hampton Schools' Head (Ist), Trent Head (I st), enjoyed the ensuing Schools' Head (3rd equal), Poplar Regatta (2nd), party' Bedford Regatta (in 4+, semifinal), National Schools Regatta (d.n.q.), Bedford Star (l st and Meanwhile, the GB England VIII 2nd), Marlow Regatta (2nd), Henley (Fawley Cup, trialists all worked very Christian Schooj; Pete Godsell, Nick Edmonds, fon Watkinson, Ist round) hard to get into the best Guy Carling, fames Sporle, David Hutchens, Mike Litchfield, crews they could.1ames The 4+: Cox: Ben Marshall McCormick suffered Dan Collins, Kingsley 10nes, William Houston, made. Disappointingly only James McCormick dehydration and was not feeling at all weil, but David Richardson, Ben Marshall was invited as a result, along with Alex Greaney, nevertheless he was selected for the Great Britain Hampton Schools' Head (3rd), Trent Head (lst), Philip Baker and David 'Davide' Smith, who had pair which rowed at the Coupe de la 1eunesse in Gloucester Head (Ist), Schools' Head (2nd), proved themselves earlier. Vichy. Both Alex Greaney and Philip Baker, Poplar Regatta (Ist and 5th), Nottingham City were selected to compete at the 1unior World The rest ofthe eight and the quad together formed Regatta (3rd), Bedford Regatta (2nd and 2nd), Championships in Oslo in the Great Britain first an eight which entered the trials for the England National Schools Regatta (3rd), Chester Regatta, eight. Aftera promising time in their heat, coming squad to be entered for the Horne International (Ist) Bedford Star (semi-final), Marlow Regatta close to the world record time, this fastest ever Match. A four was also entered. After a (3rd), Henley (Britannia Cup, d.n.q.) British junior eight was disappointed to come disappointing day of racing in which the four 'only' sixth in the final. David Smith was also The Ix's: came second to Bedford and the eight came selected to row at the1uniorWorld Championships David Smith second to an Eton 116 crew, who had opted to row in a double, where he and his partner came 13th. National Schools Regatta (semi-final) in the Anglo-French Match, the eight should thus Will Hoodless have been selected, but it was decided that it was It has been a year of hard work, and, although G10ucester Head (3rd), Bedford Regatta not fast enough and that a composite of the some of us may have hoped for better results, it (semifinal), National Schools Regatta (2nd round), Abingdon and Bedford fours would race instead. has been a good year, too. Twelve members ofthe Chester Regatta (2nd) senior squad have now rowed internationally, The eight, with a slightly different crew, were Christian Schoor (61EF) some of them twice, and four of them have now determined to do their best at the National represented Great Britain, an achievement which Championships against Eton and the Scottish is unprecedented at this school. Horne Countries crew. In addition to their race in the eight, some rowed in a coxless four, which Finally, a word of thanks, first and foremost to came third to Kingston and Bedford, and a pair, Mr. Martin, to whom we cannot be grateful enough which also came third. The eight led off the start for sacrificing so much of his spare time to coach in their straight final, but around the 750 rn-mark us and for leading us to the great successes we the Eton crew put in a push and pulled level. For have had, but also for organising training camps, the rest of the course it was a close race until the BoatClubeventsand fundraising. Thequad would last 250 m where Eton managed to gain a length like to express their thanks to Mr. Simon 10hnson on the eight, who came second. They did, however, who coached them so superbly but may have been defeat Bedford by a sufficient margin to convince disappointed at their results. The England eight the England selectors that they should be entered are very grateful to Mr. Mearns for coaching for Horne Countries. them. On behalf of the tourists I would like to thank Mr. Foster for joining us on our trip to the The next two weeks were spent training hard. USA. Thanks are also due to David Lindgren, Knowing that they lackeda lot ofpower- the eight Captain of Boats, Alex Greaney, Vice-Captain, was missing four of its best rowers - the only way Ian 'Bob' Swann - Coach THE ABINGDONIAN 71

J15 At the beginning ofthe year, the prospects for J 15 The Regatta season began with similar levels of up to il. They rowed exceptionally on the day to rowing appeared somewhat limited. performance, middle-ranking opposition being finish 5th.1t is 01' note that the J 15 gold medal four Conventionally, to row weil it is considered that easily despatched. Competition with the from the National Schools failedeven to make the you need a large powerful frame with a high level established schools was tough, Radley and final' lt has certainly been an excellent year from ofendurance and unusual mental toughness. This, Hampton appearing to be of similar pace to us, the point 01' view 01' progress and I hope that it has allied with good technique, results in boat speed with Shiplake consistently being 1-2 lengths laid the foundations for more success next year. and hence wins. Unfortunately, large powerful quicker. This pattern remained through to the frames were notable by their absence and National Schools Regatta where we were Crew Lists endurance was a rare commodity. However, the disappointed to go out in a tough first round. J 15 - 8 squad had quite good technique and, it seemed, Afterthe National Schools, workcontinued apace BOW Will Scoll outrageous mental toughness. and we began to ease up the order. Our old 2 James Beale Training began in earnest with long sessions on enemies, Shiplake were beaten in a very close 3 Dave Hankin the water consolidating technique and countless race in Thames Valley Park regatta, a dead heat 4 Dave Pinniger sets of gym sessions raising the level of fitness declared first time with us winning by a few feet 5 Mark Pajak and strength. As the year progressed, the training on the re-row. At that time, we had also split the 6 Richard Smith had crept higher and higher, the changes and squad into Fours. One four won the 115 A's event 7 Tom RendelI increases being accepted with unnatural eagerness! at Thames Valley Park and the other won the J 15 STR. Chris McGarry The Easter holidays saw no let-up with 3 sessions 8's event at Reading Town Regatta. This served COX Charlie Pank per week throughout. to reward us for our efforts. Our sculler, Oliver Watkins also sculled weil atthe Thames Valley As the yearprogressed, the benefitsofthetraining NAT. CHAMPS 4+ Park regatta. showed through. Early in the Head Race season, BOW Chris McGarry the eight started as a moderate performer, the The last and best performance ofthe year came at 2 Mark Pajak standard raising by the time ofthe Schools Head. the National Championships in Strathclyde Park. 3 James Beale In this we finished a respectable 12th in a very We had a good coxed 4 to enter in the J 16 event STR Tom RendelI tight field, only 9 seconds behind the winning and they trained intensively in the weeks running COX Charlie Pank crew. T.L.W.

Great Britain Junior 1st Vlll including Alex Greaney (cox) and Phi! Baker (stroke) lan Green - Coach

The 4+ at Hampton Head ofthe River L to R: Dave Richardson, William Houston, Kingsley Jones, Dan Collins. Cox: Ben Marshall 72 THE ABINGDONIAN

Schools' Head ofthe River 1993 R to L: Alex Greaney, Mark Clarke, Guy Carling, Phil Baker, Mike Litchfield, Dave Lindgren, James McCormick, Jon Watkinson, Pete Godsell

J14

Over the Lent and summer terms, a faithful care same luck. They finished a ti red 5th in their heat Quad (Lent tenn) ofboys have competed in Heads and Regattas. At (but soon got over it). E. Russell first we did not produce amazing times at either The line-up for the final looked like this: S. French Gloucester Head or Schools' Head. In fact there Lane I- Abingdon B. Longstaff isn't a lot to say about these two events, so I will Lane 2 - Kingston G.S. J. Lyall move onto the summer tenn, and the regatta Lane 3 - St. Edward's season. "A" 8 - Summer term Lane 4 - Latymer B. Longstaff Our first regatta of the season was at Kingston. It Lane 5 - Radley J. Strong was here that we realised St. Edward's to be the Lane 6 - Winchester. E. Russell crew to beat. Their "A"s beat our "A"s, and their As you may have guessed from what I have said S. French "B"s Iikewise. Having put this behind us, the earlier, St. Edward's ended up the victars, but W. BurnIH. Weame crews settled down and began to train in earnest surprised everyone else (in om new outfits). Off J. Lyall for National Schools' Regatta at Holmme the start we were in second pi ace, about a length D. Kingsley Pierrepont. and a half in front of Radley and Latymer. From J. Whibley On the weekend of the regatta, we had the benefit our previous experience, we knew that om finish "B" 8 (ish) of staying in a hotel on the Friday evening and was going to have to be our best yet. So for the last racing on the Saturday. Without having travelled 100 metres we put every last drop of energy into T. Jeffries up to Nottingham early on the Saturday, we were it. It paid off, for we crossed the line in second R. Janisch quite relaxed and ready to race. place, about 2 lengths behind a tiring Teddies J. Day H. Collis In our heat we had drawn - St. Edward's, King's crew, but about 2lengths in front ofRadley. They, N. Fisher School Wimbledon, Radley and Westminster. however, were disqualified for clashing oars with D. Aitchison From the start Teddies were out in front, but the Latymer, so Latymer took the bronze medals. D. Evans battle was for the second and third qualifying With this unexpected silver medal under om H. Wearne places. Up until the 250 metre mark Radley, beils, we travelled horne, anxious about the rest of B. Cullum King's and we were lying neck and neck. I think the season. Howeverin our last two regattas ofthe it was then we decided that this was our only term nothing much happened apart from the fact J. Hannaford / A. Smith - coxes chance. In the next 50 metres we pulled half a that we only lost to St. Edward's at both ofthem. length offKing's, but Radley were still yapping at The "A"s picked up the second fastest time for the J. Whibley (3SAE) om heels. 114 competition, being beaten by St. Edward's We al ready knew from a friendly race against "A"s in the semi-final at Reading. them that Radley had a good finish, and it was Lastly land the rest ofthe crew would like to say now that they proved it, pulling away for about a thank you very much to Mr. Bailey for coaching length. Eventually we just crept into third place, us and also to Mr. Potter, who helped out whenever with Radley second and Teddies first. he could on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both of Unfartunately, the "B"s didn't have quite the them helped us win the silver medal at National Schools. Artwork producllon by Colin Currill Crealive Services, Oxford • Printed by Hunts Lithoprint Limiled, Oxford (0865) 248382